Airmen compete in intramural sports, build camaraderie

Airmen here have a variety of 10 sports, ranging from flag football, to volleyball and golf, available to them throughout the year in which to participate.

Sports programs are coordinated by the sports program manager, who
gets assistance from military members assigned to various units around Team Ramstein acting as points of contact for any of the programs offered.

“Intramural sports allow members to bond and interact with one another in such a way that otherwise may not happen,” said Vincent Phillips, 786th Force Support Squadron sports program manager. “Sports are a great way of fostering teamwork, increasing unit cohesiveness, building esprit de corps, improving unit morale and maintaining healthy stress levels.”

 At the end of a season, the winning team receives more than just a trophy.

“Airmen get a team trophy for winning the base championship, but I honestly do not believe it is about the trophy,” Phillips said. “I believe it is more about bragging rights and knowing you have the better team.”

Teams can be found competing on Ramstein at the Southside Fitness Center and on Vogelweh Military Complex at the Vogelweh Fitness Center at any point throughout the year, Phillips said.

Individuals seeking more of a challenge can try out for one of six base sports teams.

“We currently have six base sports teams; men and women basketball, volleyball and softball,” the sports director said. “Coaches are selected by a panel comprised of fitness center personnel after carefully reviewing each applicant’s experience.”

Coaches are then responsible for picking members of their team.

“Once coaches have been selected, they are responsible for setting up tryouts and choosing players,” Phillips said. “Each team then participates in various tournaments held throughout Europe.”

Ramstein has been the host of multiple tournaments over the last two years.

“We have hosted the 2011 Veterans Day Basketball Classic, the 2012 Martin Luther
King Jr. Volleyball Tournament, the 2012 Armed Force in Europe Men and Women Basketball Championships and the 2012 Armed Forces in Europe Men and Women Volleyball Championships,” Phillips said.  “Additionally, Ramstein base teams have had opportunities to play in leagues organized by the Army’s Installation Management Command- Europe.”

If you are interested in playing a sport, contact your unit sports manager for sports dates.