ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - With a mighty roar the Soldiers of the 22d Chemical Battalion accepted the Commander's Cup trophy and were named victors during the first Team APG Olympic Sports Day.
The team garnered the most points during the daylong morale-building event that included competitive and non-competitive games for Soldiers, civilians and Family members. Indoor and outdoor events went as scheduled despite a heat index over 100 degrees.
Soldiers and civilians competed in kickball, volleyball, flag football, golf skills, bowling, softball, 3-on-3 basketball and a 4 x ½ mile relay.
Family events, held at the recreation center and Shore Park, included Wii bowling; billiards; dominoes; Texas Hold 'em; ping pong; swimming; a bounce house; K9 demonstration; rock climbing wall; and guest appearances by Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog.
First, second and third-place winners of each event were announced during the closing ceremonies at Fanshaw Field. APG Senior Leader Maj. Gen. Robert Ferrell hosted the ceremonies accompanied by CECOM Command Sgt. Maj. Kennis Dent; APG Garrison Commander Col. Gregory McClinton and Command Sgt. Maj. James Ervin.
Ferrell thanked the Family members for participating and praised the Soldier and civilian athletes who persevered through the heat of the day to make the event a success.
"You represent the best and the brightest," Ferrell told the athletes. "Thank you for signing up for this wonderful event. We look forward to doing this again next year."
"It's been a great team-building event," added Maj. Gen. N. Lee S. Price, commander of PEO-C3T.
Dent praised the efforts of CECOM Sgts. Maj. Jurgen Williams and Christopher Harris and civilian Reina Graham who led the committee of organizers.
"It was a committee effort," Harris said. "No one person could have done this alone. This is a first for all of us and we need feedback from all areas to see how we can do even better next year."
Williams said that identifying roles, tasks and participating organizations was the key.
"Once we did that, everything started rolling," he said. "Teamwork made it happen. We concentrated on the little pieces and that's what made it successful."
He thanked the unit representatives and volunteers who organized and judged or refereed the events and the Garrison's Morale, Welfare and Recreation, which pitched in the food, recreational facilities and equipment and took care of police and emergency medical needs.
"We could not have asked for better support from the garrison staff," he said.
Graham, a CECOM business development coordinator, heaped praise on the "tight-knit committee"--MWR's Byron Reasin, Rodney Shelby of DPTMS and the organization representatives.
"Everyone truly pulled together to make this happen," she said.
22D Chemical Battalion's Spc. Johannes Vosloo said he spent most of the day with wife Kristina and their children, who enjoyed the activities at Shore Park.
"It was a good day for Soldiers that was made even better with the Families included," he said.
"I think it was a nice day for Families to spend together," Kristina Vosloo added.
"I had a great day with my kids," said Spc. Marcia Diaz, who played on the unit kickball team and then took in the Family events with her children.
"I didn't see anyone not having a good time," she said. "I think the intent of the day was fulfilled."
Participating organizations:
20th Support Command (CBRNE)
22d Chemical Battalion (TE)
203rd Military Intelligence Battalion
ACC-APG
ACWA
AMSAA
ATEC
CECOM
CMA
Garrison
IEW&S
KUSAHC
MRICD
NEC
PEO C3T
PEOIEW&S
PEOIWS&S
PHC
RDECOM
I2WD
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