Physical activity, leisure
An individual who has chosen the medical profession is expected to serve as a role model to the society. Alongside the mandatory physical education courses implemented in the YSMU curriculum, the university offers various sports groups and teams considering individual preferences. The Department of Physical Education is staffed by internationally recognized athletes and coaches. Mandatory and additional classes are coordinated and conducted by the physical education department’s staff in the university’s sports facilities, the sports halls of the biochemical and administrative buildings, the gym for special groups, the wrestling hall, private rooms for table tennis, and in the shooting range.
To participate in physical education courses, students undergo a medical examination at the beginning of the academic year, then they are assembled into different groups: basic, preparatory, specialized, and therapeutic: the grouping considers factors such as health condition (medical report), mobility, as well as fitness and physical readiness.
Training sessions with amateur and varsity sports teams are conducted three times a week for two hours overtime, while beginner groups meet twice a week for two hours. Training in sports groups cover 12 different sport types, including students from various courses across all faculties. Sports improvement teams are formed and grouped considering the abilities and desire of the student. Currently active extracurricular groups include rhythmic gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, athletics, wrestling and judo, tourism and orienteering, chess, table tennis, swimming, and mini-football.
Mass participation sporting events and health activities are also held according to the preliminary planning, in coordination with the RA Student Sports Federation. Students participate in inter-university, national and city championships. Championships in various sports are held between different groups, students of different faculties and studying years. Mass hikings are organized: such as ascent to the summit of Mount Aragats, winter ascent to the peak of Mount Hatis, spring ascent to Mount Azhdahak, hiking to the historical and architectural monuments of the Kasakh River valley, cross-country running, and more.