LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
The Shellbank Fitness Center offers a variety of intramural sports to Airmen, dependents and Department of Defense employees.
Intramural sports provides participants opportunities to work out, build relationships with each other and boost morale.
"Participating in intramural sports is important because it encourages camaraderie, competition and teamwork for Airmen," said John Hickock, fitness director at the Shellbank Fitness Center.
Some of the sports offered include flag football, which began Sept. 15, bowling, basketball, soccer and volleyball.
Airmen may also use intramurals as an outlet for stress, to have fun and relax. It helps Airmen get out of the dormitories and gives them something to do, said Staff Sgt. Billy Hendrix, Shellbank Fitness Center sports director.
Airman 1st Class Leonard Patterson, a public health technician, leapt at the chance to participate in flag football. Not only does it give him something to do outside of the dormitories, but it also lets him indulge in one of his passions.
"I signed up for many reasons, but the one that's on top is my love for the game. It's a way for me to cut away from work and go out there and do what I love to do, play football," said Airman Patterson.
One of the Air Force's priorities is to keep families close. According to Mr. Hickock, playing intramurals is also allows Airmen to share quality time with their families.
Intramural sports offer family members a way to share in the experience instead of just watching the game.
"It gives family members the opportunity to be a part of an organized activity together and helps promote a fit and healthy lifestyle," said Mr. Hickock.
Intramural sports are also beneficial because they offer Airmen the chance to socialize with coworkers and other Airmen outside the office. Some Airmen may feel more comfortable mingling with one another outside the work environment, said Sergeant Hendrix.
"Airmen can also learn each other's capabilities and strengths, which is especially important since they could be deployed together," Mr. Hickock said.
During an intramural sport, Airmen spend a great amount of physical and mental energy to focus on a task, to work together to accomplish that task and succeed or fail as a team, said Mr. Hickock. By working as a team, they learn what each individual is capable of if they are tired, sweaty and the game is on the line. Their reactions during a game can be compared to those they have at work, he added.
Intramural sports are also a good initiative for the fit-to-fight program, Sergeant Hendrix said. Participation in intramural sports offers extra opportunities for Airmen to work on cardio and calisthenics. It also helps boost morale.
"It gives me a feeling of self accomplishment. It keeps me fit with all the running we do as well as work on my hand-eye coordination," said Airman Patterson.
The Shellbank Fitness Center always welcomes new ideas for different fitness programs and clubs.
"We want to make things interesting whenever we can," said Mr. Hickock.
If interested in participating in intramural sports contact your unit's sports representatives or call the Shellbank Fitness Center at 225-8165 for more information.