Corporate challenge proves a success

Dollar General has earned a year’s worth of bragging rights, taking the grand prize in the first Ardmore Corporate Fitness Challenge.

The challenge concluded Saturday at Ardmore High School, with Dollar General and The Noble Foundation taking first in their respective divisions in a field of 16 teams. The competition consisted of different sports in addition to points earned in a T-shirt contest and Super Burger Contest.

As teams competed for top honors, the true winner was the Cities in Schools program, which was the beneficiary.

“Overall, we were just pleased,” said Mike Whitson, organizer for the challenge. “It kind of exceeded our expectations, and the level of support from the corporate community and support from individuals that pitched in and helped put things together.”

Whitson said the level of interest garnered in this year’s event left optimism for additional teams in next year’s events. The trial run allowed organizers to develop some ideas to heighten the future events.

“We are looking at logistics and things we need to tweak,” he said. “We mainly learned what we knew going in, which was what a great community we have.”

Whitson said in looking at the challenge, they will try to keep the current eight events and maybe look at adding some new competitions, such as relays and maybe a bike event.

In watching the events over the course of the week, Whitson was struck by the spirit of competition between the teams and the enjoyment of those participating.

“The main thing was the overall team camaraderie the companies themselves witnessed and enjoyed, but also the fellowship and camaraderie between companies,” he said. “People getting to compete for five days against people they rarely get to see or may not have known was good to see.”

In terms of raising funds for Cities in Schools, the week was an overwhelming success. Whitson said $20,000 was grossed from the event, with a net of $15,000. To help realize the windfall, he said around 200 volunteers pitched in during the five-day event.

“We appreciate all the support,” Whitson said. “I appreciate everyone that put this together and made it possible.”

Grand Prize

Dollar General

Division 1 Overall Winner

1. Dollar General

2. Michelin Blue

3. Ardmore City Schools

Division 2 Overall Winner

1. Noble Foundation

2. Carter County Health Department

3. DOT Foods

Division 1 Results

Volleyball

1. Dollar General

2. Ardmore City Schools