Darby Military Community hosts IMCOM Europe's 25th Anniversary BOSS Games

By Sarah Galon, Darby BOSS adviserAugust 27, 2014

Ansbach BOSS team wins at kickball
The Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers team from U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach poses with their plaque after winning first place in kickball at the Camp Darby 25th anniversary BOSS games at Camp Darby, Italy, Aug. 10. The Ansbach team tied with USAG... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

CAMP DARBY, Italy (Aug. 27, 2014) -- Nine Better Opportunity for Single Soldier teams representing seven U.S. Army garrisons in Europe arrived at Darby Military Community Aug. 8, hoping to bring home the gold medal.

The teams competed at the 2014 U.S. Army Installation Management Command Europe, or IMCOM-E, 25th Anniversary BOSS Games. Eighty Soldiers participated in teams for three action-packed days consisting of sporting, leisure, trivia knowledge and teamwork activities.

"The BOSS Games were important, offering a friendly physical and leisure activity for our single Soldiers," said Angela Flowers, the BOSS program region manager for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. "The games allowed single Soldiers from all over Europe to meet and compete, and many new friendships were made this weekend."

"My favorite part of the BOSS Games was the obstacle course," said Sgt. Brighton Mancillas, IMCOM-E BOSS president. "It was great to see the team members work together to place the best skilled player at each obstacle. They can take that skill back with to their programs and apply it to BOSS events or everyday tasking at their units."

After three days of competition, there could only be one winner. Taking home the gold medal by a margin of 6 points was USAG Rheinland-Pfalz from Kaiserslautern, Germany. USAG Vicenza from Vicenza, Italy, took home the silver. USAG Ansbach from Ansbach, Germany, and USAG Benelux from Chièvres, Belgium, tied for the bronze. Camp Darby took home fifth place in the competition.

Below are the individual event results for the Darby games:

• Beach Volleyball: Vicenza

• Kayaking: Benelux

• Sand Sculpture: Camp Darby

• Basketball: Ansbach

• Soccer: Kaiserslautern

• Ultimate Frisbee: Vicenza

• Kickball: Ansbach

• Bowling: Benelux

• Obstacle Course: Kaiserslautern

• Tug of War: Kaiserslautern

"Hosting the 2014 BOSS Games was a great opportunity to network with other service members from around Europe," said Pfc. Christopher Gribble, Camp Darby BOSS treasurer. "Camaraderie and competition helped develop the foundation for future games, mentorships, memories."

The BOSS Games were created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the BOSS Program. For 25 years, BOSS programs have helped support the military community by enhancing the quality of life and morale of the single service member. IMCOM-E is hosting a number of events to commemorate this occasion.

To learn more about other anniversary events or the BOSS program, contact a local BOSS representative, BOSS president or BOSS adviser. Come out and participate in the series of events to commemorate the quarter century.

Related Links:

USAG Ansbach BOSS program

USAG Ansbach blog site

USAG Ansbach home page

USAG Ansbach Facebook page

USAG Ansbach Flickr page

USAG Ansbach Flickr: More Camp Darby Ansbach BOSS photos

USAG Ansbach Twitter page