Summer Games 2016

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class J.T. Armstrong
  • Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Team Minot Airmen from across both wings competed for the coveted Commander’s Trophy in the Summer Games at the McAdoo Fitness Center at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 30, 2016.
“More than 300 Airmen from across 22 squadrons competed in the 18 events,” said Judy LaRue, the fitness and sports director. “The 5th Civil Engineering Squadron was the overall champion of the games.”
The 18 events featured team and individual competitions including bench press, running relays, soccer, basketball, racquetball, beach volleyball, inner tube water polo, and a slam dunk contest, to name a few.

The Summer Games, aka Sports Day, included some new events this season.

“New events included knockerball, build a boat and 4 x 200m freestyle relay,” said LaRue. “We plan to include more swimming events in the upcoming Winter and Summer Games.”

In knockerball, a variation of soccer, participants wear large inflatable bubbles around their upper body that allows them to bounce off other players, and makes falling down a bit more fun.

The purpose of these games is multifaceted, according to LaRue, who said the Minot AFB Summer and Winter Games Program was implemented in 2014 to help promote Air Force fitness, esprit de corps and camaraderie among Team Minot personnel.
Some participants, like Airman 1st Class Eliezer Lizardi, 5th Munitions Squadron ammunition storage crew member , have noticed the direct impact on the Airmen that partake in the games.

“These kind of activities do more than just boost morale, but actually integrate you within the local Air Force community,” said Lizardi. “I enjoy that my family was also able to be a part of it. I would recommend more Airmen join in future activities.”

For those who may be interested in helping plan similar events or give feedback, the Fitness Center hosts a monthly Fitness and Sports Advisory council meeting. The meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at 1 p.m.

Remember to look for the Winter Games coming up in February or March of 2017.