Intramural sports are more than just games for Soldiers; they are powerful tools for building trust, unity and resilience within the Army community. On the playing field, Soldiers discover new ways to connect, break down barriers and strengthen bonds that often carry over into their personal and professional lives.
“I think this goes back to trust and unity among the players,” said Lori Smith, Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation Chief of Sports, Athletics and Aquatics at Fort Benning, Georgia.
The Garrison Intramural Sports program, offered by MWR, provides Soldiers and their Families with broadbased team and individual sports activities. The year-round program is tailored to participants at all levels of athletic ability. Unit-level intramural leagues promote group participation in sports with mass appeal, such as volleyball, basketball and soccer.
“Soldiers on a team build strong bonds by working together on a common goal and shared purpose, which builds a sense of belonging. Leaders and Soldiers alike can strengthen these bonds by playing sports as a regular part of their unit culture,” Smith said.
The strength of intramural sports comes through in the simple, practical ways they unite Soldiers and reinforce Army Values. Leaders can motivate Soldiers by sharing schedules, celebrating wins and emphasizing the role of sports in unit pride. Smith suggested that Soldiers who play together and share victories can also share a sense of pride and belonging with others in their unit. Teamwork can translate into unit readiness. Unit members should talk openly about how lessons learned in games, like handling pressure or lifting up a teammate, can apply to Army tasks. Soldiers can even build resilience through competition, using their experiences on the field to prepare them for real-world challenges.
Smith said, “Our goals are about creating opportunities for Soldiers to build trust, develop team cooperation, troop morale, self-confidence and leadership qualities all through athletic competition.”
The impact also extends beyond benefits to Soldiers. Maj. Kyle A. Griffin, Space Control Planning Team 6 Officer in Charge, 2nd Space Control Support Company, 1st Space Battalion, said intramural sports helped him feel more equipped to approach his junior enlisted Soldiers by enhancing his communication skills.
“Competing together in an activity where rank takes a back seat to skill, and hustle somewhat humanizes leaders,” he said.
Griffin, an enthusiastic sports advocate, took the initiative to organize sign-ups for his Soldiers to participate in Fort Carson’s intramural sports program. He actively encourages their participation.
“It takes someone to start the process, and he did that. (It) gives his Soldiers something to do together,” said Smith.
Intramural sports may begin with a game, but their true power lies in the unity, resilience and pride they build throughout the Army community. To learn more about intramural offerings near you, visit the MWR website.
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