JOINT BASE ANDREWS, MD. –
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. – More than 100 Airmen from JBA participated in the first ever Dorm Olympics on base, Oct. 13.
“The event was created as a morale event for dorm residents,” said Staff Sgt. Leighton Bryan, 11th Civil Engineer Squadron facility maintenance team NCO in charge. “It was aimed at creating competition, building team work and, most importantly, as a day of having fun.”
Dorm residents teamed-up to compete in: 2 vs. 2 corn-hole, 3 vs. 3 basketball, 4 vs. 4 volleyball, 6 vs. 6 kick ball and 6 vs. 6 tug-o-war.
Airman 1st Class Mario Cardone, 89th Communications Squadron cable and antenna maintenance technician, was excited to be on a team with his co-workers in a competitive atmosphere while enjoying free food and hanging out with fellow dorm residents.
“I feel there was more interaction and communication between Airmen at this event than any other event I have been to on Andrews,” Cardone said. “It was a 10 out of 10.”
As one of the 11th CES Dorm Leaders, Staff Sgt. Jesus Pabon notices that a lot of the time dorm Airmen have different shifts and in different shops on base, not allowing them an opportunity to get to know one another.
“Now here they are on the same team, competing to win and earn prizes together,” Pabon said.
The Airmen Dorm Leaders and the Dorm Olympics committee held fundraisers to raise money for the winners in individual sports, awarding them with gift cards, ranging in value from $25 to $100. The overall winning team, dorm 1692, received a $1,500 dinner for its residents. Also included at the event was a raffle, ping pong, food trucks and a disc jockey.
“Seeing all the residents come out and show support, compete, and volunteer to make this event successful, solidified why we chose to support it,” Pabon said. “Events like this can be what it takes to break someone out of their shell and create a great bond or friendship. It made all the late nights, meetings and fundraising absolutely worth it!”