5K run June 11 to kick off 2021 military sports season
FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. — It’s been on hold for more than a year, but if all goes according to plan, the Commander’s Cup sports program could be back in action a little over one month from now.
The Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports Branch emailed a sports memorandum to Fort Leonard Wood units April 19 announcing the resumption of Commander’s Cup events starting with a 5K run June 11, along with instructions on how units can enter it and up to seven other events by submitting letters of intent.
“(We are) really looking forward to getting Commander’s Cup sports back up and running as soon as the climate allows us to do so safely,” said Danny Howell, an FMWR sports specialist who is coordinating the program.
Other upcoming Commander’s Cup events include a 3D archery tournament June 25 at the Outdoor Adventure Center, a two-day bowling tournament July 19 and 20 at Daugherty Bowling Center, a two-day golf tournament July 22 and 23 at Piney Valley Golf Course, a trap shoot Aug. 13 at the OAC trap and skeet ranges, a swim meet Sept. 11 at the Davidson Fitness Center natatorium and a tennis tournament Sept. 27.
FMWR Chief of Sports Jeffrey Barrett said the condensed schedule is designed to accommodate current COVID-19 mitigations in place and ensure the safety of all participants.
“Our goal is to provide a new, redefined program, enhancing the experience for our competitors while also maintaining the highest standard of safety and security,” Barrett said.
Participation in the Commander’s Cup program is open to all active-duty military personnel, dependents ages 18 and older who are out of high school, retirees and Department of Defense civilians. Teams must be made up of personnel from the same unit and consist of 75 percent active-duty personnel throughout the season.
In order to participate in each event, a unit’s designated sports representative must register by filing a letter of intent with the Sports Branch. Following registration, coaches of each team are strongly encouraged to attend a meeting, where Sports Branch officials will provide an overview of the specific rules of each contest and answer questions. The registration deadline for the 5K event is June 8, with a coaches’ meeting slated for June 9.
“We encourage units to contact our Sports Branch for any additional information or questions they may have,” Barrett said.
Through the program, units earn points toward the overall Commander’s Cup Award. While the top three winners in each event earn the most points — first-place teams earn the maximum of 100 points, for example — all teams receive points simply by taking part. After the end of the fiscal year, the Commander’s Cup Award is presented to the unit with the most accumulated points. In past seasons, this award has typically gone to units that participated in the most events.
With potential weather delays, makeup games and scheduling conflicts always a possibility, all dates are tentative and subject to change.
Barrett said FMWR will post regular updates in its facilities, on its website at leonardwood.armymwr.com and on its social media sites, including its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mwr.ftwood.
“(Updates) will also be going out via email to our units, battalions and brigades,” he added.
For information about the program, contact Howell at 573.596.7762 or by email at danny.r.howell4.naf@mail.mil.
Social Sharing