CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - As a child, many had the opportunity to play games during recess at school or on the playground at a park.
As people grow older, the thrill of winning playground games may fade, but the Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Sports and Fitness team at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, aim to give Soldiers with U.S. Army Central the chance to rekindle that feeling.
The MWR's Sports and Fitness program held a dodge ball tournament at Camp Arifjan on Feb. 6. This tournament had a twist though, instead of using the standard red rubber balls, they used the inflatable exercise balls, like the ones used in place of office chairs.
This version of the game is unique, said Sgt. Sabrina DiBenedetto, an aircraft structural repairer with 1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group. The Colossal Dodge Ball game has grown up, just like the players. The exercise balls are harder to throw, so more coordination is needed.
USARCENT encourages its Soldiers to participate in team building events to help them succeed in their missions by developing cohesive teams.
"Events like this help build morale and resiliency," said Maj. Tom Elison, a plans officer with the USARCENT Engineers. "My unit works all over USARCENT's area of responsibility; getting the chance to come together and participate in this tournament was really unique for us. It showed us that we are a team, no matter where we are."
Part of military life is the chance to deploy around the world and see other countries, people and historical sites. Many times, these places are unaccompanied tours of duty, meaning a separation from loved ones.
"Being deployed is difficult because we are away from our families," said DiBenedetto. "Units need to come together and work as a team because the military is one big family. This event allowed my unit to strengthen the bond with each other and it helps us through this time away from our families."
Suggestions from past patrons have helped develop the game into its current state.
"We have had many people tell us what they like about the game. It seems that more people prefer to play our colossal dodge ball rather than the regular type," said Binu Mattamana, the Camp Arifjan MWR Sports and Fitness coordinator.
The MWR Sports and Fitness program gives Soldiers the chance to conduct physical fitness training in a fun and challenging environment.
"The competition was exciting," said Elison. "Everyone was playing to win, but it was all for fun."
USARCENT uses the Army Physical Fitness Test as a gauge to measure the level of readiness its Soldiers have. They partner with the MWR Sports and Fitness program to facilitate this readiness.
"We try to hold events like these every month for people to come out and exercise in a way that doesn't just mean lifting weights," said Mattamana.
"Everybody is different, but exercising will help them all. Having events like this will help them stay fit."
For more information about the Camp Arifjan MWR Sports and Fitness program contact the Zone 1 MWR gym at DSN: 318-430-1301.
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