Airmen connect, compete in sports Published Feb. 22, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Colin Cates 49th Wing Public Affairs HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- Air Force-wide, intramural sports offers multiple benefits to Airmen from networking, physical training, and boosting the overall morale of all participants involved. At Holloman, there are a variety of sports offered for Airmen of every squadron, said Staff Sgt. Fletcher Garner, 49th Force Support Squadron intramural sports program coordinator. "We have basketball, baseball, bowling, golf, volleyball, softball and soccer," he said. "The fitness center is here for the Airmen, and offering intramural sports is a great way the center shows that. The intramural sports program is opportunity for Airman to enjoy playing the sports they love. The fitness center wants to offer a sport for every Airman, and we encourage them to come out and take part." The intramural program is a great way for all Airmen to network themselves and at the same time does it in a very comfortable way, Garner said. "I enjoy playing intramural sports because of the chance to meet different people from different squadrons," said Senior Airman Quitney Hall, 49th Materiel Maintenance Support Squadron fitness specialist. "It is a great way to meet people that have similar interests and build future friendships. My family also comes out to the games to support me along with the families of other Airmen." Being new to Holloman could be hard, and playing sports is an easy way get to know the base and the Airmen on it, Garner said. Airmen who are new to Holloman can play intramural sports to meet new Airmen, said Garner. Intramural sports are also a great way to incorporate physical training into any Airman's schedule. "The Air Force is focusing on PT, so I see playing intramural sports as an added bonus to be prepared for my PT test," Hall said. "I feel one of the reasons why I have maintained a high level of fitness is because I play intramural sports." One of the fitness center's goals is keep morale high and offering programs like intramural sports helps that goal and helps out Airmen, said Garner. "Being able to transfer from working to playing sports is a huge boost for my morale," Hall said. "I get to let the days stresses go and enjoy being out there on the court. On the court, it is all about working hard and having fun, not about rank or where you work, and the goal is to get the win." Overall, intramural sports are a huge benefit to Airmen, and the 49th FSS recognizes its importance, Garner said. "My staff works very hard to organize all that is needed to have intramurals sports," he said. "I think all the Airmen here work extremely hard and deserve to have an outlet like intramural sports to relax and have some fun." For Airman like Hall, having fun while playing sports is what makes showing up fulfilling.