Luke winter games slated for December

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class C.J. Hatch
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 56th Services Squadron Fitness Center will host the first Luke Air Force Base Winter Games in December, and will cap off the event with the presentation of the commanders Cup to the squadron with the best intramural participation and score. 

"I think the Luke winter games will be a great end to the sports season," said Kevin Bruaw, 56th SVS Fitness Center sports director. "The winter games will give athletes, no matter the skill level, a chance to show their strengths." 

The winter games kick off Dec. 15 with a homerun derby at the softball fields. 

Each squadron will nominate one individual to take part in the event. That individual will bring a teammate to pitch for them. Participants will be allowed five outs in the first round. Any swing of the bat that is not a fair ball homerun, for example, over the fence, will result in an out. The top five batters will advance to the championship round which will determine the homerun champion. The fitness center will provide softballs and competitors bring their own bats. Also on schedule that day are a tug-of-war and homerun races. 

Dec. 16 will begin with a 3-on-3 basketball tournament. Each squadron will enter one team of five players for this single elimination tournament. There must be at least one female on the roster. All baskets will count as one point and the first team to ten points wins. Games have a 15-minute time limit and will be self-officiated. Officials from the fitness center will be supplied for the championship rounds. Also featured is a soccer shoot-out tournament at the fitness center football field. 

A 3-on-3 football tournament is scheduled for Dec. 17. Each squadron will submit one team of three players to compete in the event. Each team will get four plays to score as many points as they can. The offense receives points for completed passes in each 10-yard zone. Running for a catch is not allowed. The defense can score points two ways -- a quarterback sack is worth one point and interception or offensive pass interference will result in the defense being awarded the zone points. An obstacle course competition will also be held Wednesday. 

A 2-on-2 sand volleyball tournament will be featured Dec. 18. Each squadron will submit one team to compete in this single elimination tournament. Games will consist of rally scoring to 25 points and there will be one game per match. Thursday will also feature track and field events such as a one-mile run, 100- and 400-meter relays and a Humvee push. 

The Jingle Bell Fun Run and closing ceremonies are Dec. 19. During the closing ceremonies trophies will be given to individual winners of each event and also to the squadrons who won the most games. 

During the year and at the winter games, each squadron is given points for competing in intramural sports and then awarded more for making it into the top three during tournament play. At the end of the winter games, the Commanders Cup will be awarded to the squadron with the best intramural score.