Fitness center hosts year-round sporting events for Airmen

Published Oct. 18, 2017
By Senior Airman Harrison Wthrow
434 ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- When it comes to getting, and staying fit, there’s one team on base looking to provide motivation.

Grissom’s sports and fitness center staff encourages Airmen, civilians, and dependents to participate in upcoming fitness events.

Zac Holmes, 434th Force Support Squadron recreation assistant and Bruce Cannady, 434th FSS sports specialist, are tasked with creating a complete calendar of sporting events which are both fun and physical.

“Every Airman has to pass a fitness test, and our goal is to promote fitness and get people interested in living active lifestyles,” said Holmes. “We have a few regulars that show up to just about every event, but we’re hoping to see new faces this coming year.”

The center offers a wide variety of events throughout the year, but the biggest focus is on 5K runs and basketball.

“Basketball is by far our biggest event,” said Cannady. “Last year we had around 60 people enter our version of March Madness basketball tournament.

One of the more popular events is the Turkey Trot 5K run. This year it will be held on Nov. 15.
“It’s unique from other 5K races in that it’s not about being the fastest across the finish line,” said Cannady. “Each runner predicts his or her time beforehand, and the winner is whoever gets closest to their estimated time – without using a watch or timing device.”

In previous years, the Turkey Trot has been sponsored by local businesses and has included prizes for the three closest times.

“We usually have a couple of 20-pound turkeys we give to the top three contestants,” said Cannady. “We’re trying to do that again this year.”

For those who want a different sort of competition, the fitness center will host a Biggest Loser contest in early 2018, he added. Contestants will form teams and weigh in across three drill weekends, with the winner being the team that collectively loses the most weight.

“Folks tend to put on a little weight toward the end of the year, so they usually make a New Year’s resolution to lose it again,” he said. “We use this contest as a way for people to encourage each other.”

The staff designs programs to help members.

“Whatever your fitness goals are, we want to work with you to help you achieve them,” Cannady added. “We’re here for you!”

Those interested in participating in any event can call or visit the fitness center for more information.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.

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Fitness center hosts year-round sporting events for Airmen

Public Affairs Staff