Annandale Village brings Olympic spirit to local companies with The Greater Atlanta Corporate Games
For individuals that may have never realized their dreams of hoisting a trophy in celebration or having a gold medal draped around his or her neck, it isn’t too late. This spring, organizations representing small businesses, large corporations, government entities, and educational institutions will take to the playing surfaces of athletic fields and event venues throughout metro Atlanta as they participate in The Greater Atlanta Corporate Games.
Presented in partnership with Athletes For A Better World and sponsored by Kaiser Permanente of Georgia and Synergy Benefits, The Greater Atlanta Corporate Games is an Olympics-style experience that brings together companies and their employees to compete in various sporting events and bonus activities ranging from cornhole to bowling, coed flag football and softball.
The Honorary Chairman of the event is Vince Dooley, former Head Football Coach and Athletic Director at UGA. Although the overall goal is to win the coveted Corporate Cup, it is the journey through participation that will bring teamwork, health promotion, company pride and purpose to the forefront.
Aside from the fun, competition and camaraderie among the participants, the philanthropic purpose of the Corporate Games is to raise awareness and funds to support Annandale Village and individuals with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, other intellectual disabilities and those that have experienced a traumatic brain injury. Proceeds from the Corporate Games will enable Annandale Village to provide a comprehensive range of programs that reflect an innovative approach to providing a full continuum of service and care, expand access to quality services, and address underlying conditions affecting the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities.
“It is no secret that workplaces that encourage regular physical activity report increased productivity, reduced injury rates, better employee relations, and improved job satisfaction,” said Keith Fenton, Chief Development & Marketing Officer of Annandale Village. “Some of today’s most successful companies understand the real business benefits of being involved in corporate activities like The Greater Atlanta Corporate Games. Well-structured events are an excellent way to encourage initiative, reward the commitment of staff, inspire cooperation and team spirit, and develop stronger relationships with clients and customers.”
“The Corporate Games will provide opportunities for everyone within a company, despite skill level or athletic ability, to participate and contribute to the team’s overall success,” says Event Manager, Michelle Hackett. “In other words…there is something for everyone!”
The roster of events include: basketball, billiards, bocce ball, bowling, cornhole, 3-D dodge ball, flag football, golf, tennis, go-kart racing, softball, table tennis, Texas hold’em poker, track and field, tug- o-war, indoor volleyball, and the amazing race scavenger hunt. Individual medals will be awarded to each team member for first (Gold), second (Silver), and third (Bronze) place at the conclusion of each competition. In addition, the Corporate Games have several ceremonies patterned after the Olympics, including an opening ceremony, parade of banners, and a torch relay that will be used to light the cauldron to declare the opening of the games.
The champions of the Corporate Games will be determined by a point system based on participation level, the results of each competition, and the total fundraising dollars raised by each team. There are no fees for companies or their employees to participate. Yet, the Corporate Games is a fundraising special event, therefore participating organizations and individual participants are encouraged to put forth fundraising efforts to help reach the overall goal of $100,000 for Annandale Village.
“I am a big believer that participating in organized athletics, especially team sports, can teach values and life lessons that are readily transferrable to the workplace environment,” added Fenton.
To learn more about The Greater Atlanta Corporate Games or to register your team today, please call 770-932-4887.
