By Heather Fuselier and Mary Barley
Who could bench press the most: teachers or lawyers? Who can paddle a kayak the fastest: doctors or retail managers? Who would win in a trail bike race: insurance representatives or state government employees? Well, your chance to find out is coming up as teams of co-workers challenge each other in the ninth annual Corporate Cup Challenge, brought to you by Gold’s Gym and Working Well, Inc.
Working Well Inc, a non-profit organization that teaches local businesses and organizations how to design, develop, and deliver worksite wellness programs, created the Corporate Cup Challenge as a way to help create a healthier workforce. This fun event is a great way for Tallahassee’s hardworking employees to take a break from the stress of the office by getting outside to move, play, be silly, and have some friendly competition in fitness events scaled for every skill level. It also provides a forum for some great office team building.
The Corporate Cup Challenge takes place on Saturday, October 14th, from 8:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Tom Brown Park. Beer will be provided following the competition. There will also be a van to transport participants and cheerleaders to Lake Layfette where the Kayak leg takes place.
A packed schedule of fun activities all revolves around the four legs of the main challenge, which is completed by teams of four co-workers. Participating companies can have as many teams as they wish, and each member of the team completes one of the following events:
- 1-mile running leg,
- 6-mile biking leg sponsored by Sweat Therapy,
- 1-mile kayaking leg on Piney Z Lake,
- Strength and conditioning challenge consisting of a bench press, sit ups and jumping rope.
You can find out more about these challenges, including the routes and requirements for the strength and conditioning portion at http://workingwelltoday.org/corporate-cup-challenge-2017/.
Working Well is also looking for sponsors and vendors. As opposed to the huge races in town that attract thousands of people, the Corporate Cup Challenge is more of a “boutique event,” which provides more opportunities for one-on-one networking, often with the Senior Leaders in our community’s top organizations. The target market is organizations and their employees and families, who are all interested in improving their Physical, Financial, Community, Social and Career well-being. The Corporate Cup Challenge provides a fantastic marketing opportunity for any companies that have resources in any of the following areas:
- Health and fitness
- Financial products and services
- Educational opportunities
- Community events/Non-profits
- Organizations promoting social events and opportunities
The Sponsorship Package and Vendor Application can also be found at http://workingwelltoday.org/corporate-cup-challenge-2017/
Not the athletic type? Come out anyway and cheer on your team by participating in the Office Olympics. In this high-spirited and fun addition to the Corporate Cup Challenge, teams of two work together to complete a total of five goofy and fun tasks similar to the activities on the T.V. show, “Minute to Win It.” So, start practicing those office chair races, wastebasket shots, and rubber band shooting skills! Also, bring a crowd, because the company with the best cheering squad goes home with the Spirit Award!
However, the Corporate Cup Challenge is not just for the adults. Kids get into the action as well! With a kids’ activity area kindly sponsored by Capital Regional Medical Care which includes a Kid’s Obstacle Course and a 1-mile fun run for kids. And, in the past years, they have also included a Rock Climbing Wall, a Gaming Truck, a Bouncy House, a Firetruck, and Knockerball. So, you never know what other activities will be there for the kids!
The Corporate Cup Challenge has grown over the past four years from a simple race to a full-service family fitness event. Working Well Executive Director Mary Barley attributes the growth to the generous support of community sponsors. “We are so lucky to be in a community where organizations value the health and well-being of their family and friends. When local businesses hear about the Corporate Cup Challenge, they want to know how they can get involved. Their generosity has helped this event grow, and we are very excited about what we have going on this year!”
Other area businesses sponsoring this year’s event include Capital City Bank, Capital Regional Medical Center, RGVI, Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, Premier Health and Fitness, Thomas Howell Ferguson, First Commerce Credit Union, FBMC Benefits Management, Smith Family Chiropractic and Sweat Therapy. Media sponsors include WCTV, Tallahassee Family Forum magazine, and Lamar Advertising. To learn how your company can become a sponsor, contact Mary Barley at marybarley50@comcast.net.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for families to start the morning off by being active together. Families will also enjoy the healthy food vendors, kids’ activities, and access to more information about healthy living.
Maps, routes, a team application, and answers to frequently asked questions can be found at the Working Well website, www.workingwelltoday.org. Registration is open now, and there are reduced registration fees if you sign up early. Create a team and register today; all you need are four people looking for a fun challenge on a beautiful fall morning. Teams representing a local business or organization will be eligible for the Corporate Cup trophy. Plaques will also be awarded to the Winning Female Team, Male Team, and Co-ed Team, as well to the individual men and women with the best results for each of the four legs.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a couch potato, you can find something fun to do at this family and office-friendly event. Shut down your computer, forward your calls to voicemail, and make a stop at the water cooler: it’s time for the Corporate Cup Challenge!
Mary Barley has been in the fitness business for over 30 years as a gym owner, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, wellness coach, writer, speaker and well-being coordinator. She is currently the Health and Well-Being Coordinator for Leon County, as well as the part time Executive Director of the non-profit, Working Well.
Heather Fuselier is a Certified Health Coach who works with individuals and organizations in Tallahassee to help them reach their health goals. Learn more at www.wellnesswithoutpity.com.
