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Grab your bats, cleats, racquets and clubs--It’s On!

pthompson
Explorer A

Since late August, teams of Southwest Airlines Employees have been competing in dozens of athletic events for the City of Richardson Corporate Challenge as part of our “Share the Spirit” mission. These events include a wide range of activities, from hobby sports like horseshoes and darts, to schoolyard games like kickball and dodgeball. Field sports include soccer, flag football, and softball. There was also cycling, golf, billiards, and even bass fishing! Southwest is one of 40 Dallas-area companies competing in this year’s Challenge. Companies were placed in divisions based on company size, and we went up against some big names including FedEx, Pepsi, Rockwell Collins, and Texas Instruments.

The goal of the Corporate Challenge is not only to demonstrate your company’s athletic skills, but to also boost teamwork, morale, personal health, and fitness--as well as camaraderie with local businesses and neighbors. The biggest benefit, however, is that all of the money collected from team entry fees goes to Special Olympics Texas. Last year’s Corporate Challenge raised $120,000 for the charity.

A unique thing about these events is that Southwest’s teams consist of Employees from many different departments throughout the Company. I had the pleasure of playing on our softball team with Employees from Ground Operations, Maintenance, Customer Support & Service, Customer Relations, and Technology. Many of us met for the first time when we practiced together, or in some cases, on the day of the competition. Whether it’s at work or at play, Southwest’s people are always able to team together and move toward a common goal.

This year’s event in Richardson is about to wrap up, but Corporate Challenge events are held in many of the cities Southwest serves. Be on the lookout for information in your own city so you too can "Share the Spirit." Grab your bats, cleats, racquets and clubs--It’s On!

photos by Myke Puente from Facilities Maintenance

6 Comments
serendipifly
Explorer C
Great post, Paul! Thanks for sharing that information about the Corporate Challenge. I just love the Southwest team uniforms! Julie Vessigault
cwelch
Adventurer C
Way to Share your Spirit, Paul! The Corporate Challenge is such a wonderful opportunity to get co-workers out from behind their desks to have some fun and support a great cause.
ken-thompson
Explorer C
Excellent article, son. I bet your readers don't know you were born into the airline and non-reved for the first time when you were six weeks old!
mikecarroll
Explorer C
Well written Paul! Our Teams thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of teamwork with Employees from other Departments and Stations. The football and volleyball events were a blast! It was also a pleasure to meet other competitors from local companies. Southwest was 5th overall and only 10 points from a bronze medal. That’s not bad for our first time out and with limited participation from the company this year. This event also raised awareness of how active Special Olympics events are in our area. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to participate in. Our Teams would like to extend our appreciation to Mitzi Green and Myke Puente for making this possible for SWA this year…. Thank You Both for sharing your Servant Hearts and Warrior Spirits!
mikecarroll
Explorer C
Well written Paul! I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of teamwork with Employees from other departments and stations. The football and volleyball events were a blast! It was also a pleasure to meet other competitors from local companies. Southwest was 5th overall and only 10 points from a bronze medal. That’s not bad for our first time out and with limited participation from the company this year. This event also raised awareness of how active Special Olympics events are in our area. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to participate in. Our Teams would like to extend our appreciation to Mitzi Green and Myke Puente for making this possible for SWA this year…. Thank You Both for your Servant Hearts and Warrior Spirits!
swabikedude
Explorer A
Awesome Paul! Great job! Wish I still worked in Dallas to participate! Sounds and looks like fun!