Staff members and their families at U.S. Africa Command gathered to participate and cheer on each other as amateur Olympians competed in 22 different competitions during the third annual AFRICOM Olympics held at Kelley Barracks on August 22, 2013.

Following a pre-ceremony stretch, General David M. Rodriguez, commander of U.S. Africa Command, officially opened the competition.

“Enjoy the day, be safe and the let the games begin,” said Rodriguez to the applause of more than 1,600 AFRICOM civilians, military members and their families who participated in the event.

The AFRICOM Olympics promotes command morale and team building through physical competition on the athletic field.  Nearly a dozen teams comprised from each directorate compete against each other with a winner crowned at the end of the day.  The overall goal is to give the staff a day away from the daily stresses of duties and an opportunity to build camaraderie. 

 “The AFRICOM Olympics are an event for the entire command, civilians, military and family members, to get together, have some camaraderie and a good time”, said Lt. Col. Manuel Griego, Commandant of Kelley Barracks and lead organizer of the 2013 AFRICOM Olympics.

Griego and volunteers from each directorate worked together for five months to organize the event which included games such as the 400-meter relay, kickball, flag football, basketball, volleyball and ultimate Frisbee.  For those not athletically inclined, other events included a chili cook-off, musical chairs, egg and water balloon toss and a hula hoop competition.

“It’s important to take the time to get out for events like this to decompress, to break up the monotonous routines and help keep your mind going,” said GySgt Christopher Bruff, assistant event organizer.

Joining the event was the AFRICOM Family Readiness Group (FRG) who set up several tents to entertain young children while informing spouses of the many services they offer.  Kids could have their faces painted, win a prize or help themselves to a cookie or cupcake.

“It’s important for the family members to spend time with their moms, dads, whatever the case may be, in a nice casual environment and this is something that is supported for them”, said Griego.

Special Operation Command-Africa (SOCAF) also set up a booth which provided a photo opportunity for parents and their children.  The booth allowed the staff to get an up-close look at the equipment special operations teams utilize in the field.

“We’ve got a huge support from Army Garrison Stuttgart, Morale Welfare and Recreation, the USO and the VFW. They’re all out here to support AFRICOM,” said Griego.

To the sounds of a DJ playing classic rock from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, hundreds of hungry athletes lined up for free hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks. 

And while SOCAF now gets to wear the crown and earned bragging rights for the next year, all would agree that the real winner is the entire command who had the opportunity to end the summer on a sunny, flawless day enjoying AFRICOM’s esprit de corps.