Thousands turn out for annual Sports Day Published June 20, 2008 By Corey Dahl 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Members of Team Pete put their game faces on June 19 for the base's annual Sports and Field Day. More than 2,000 Airmen and civilians spent the day competing in dozens of sports, from running and swimming to darts and dominoes. Participants also snacked on free food and listened to live music at a barbeque in Eagle Park. And at the end of the day, the units with the best scores received awards at a brief ceremony in the park. The day, said Ben Beck, the event's organizer, was all about building teamwork skills and boosting morale. "Sports Day is just about friendly competition," said Mr. Beck, 21st Services Squadron fitness and sports center manager. "It's also a chance for the wing commander to give back to Team Pete." Mission accomplished - at least as far as Staff Sgt. Carlos Isaac is concerned. Sergeant Isaac, who works in the area dental lab, said he had a great time and spent the day playing tug-of-war, bowling, eating - and getting to know his co-workers better. "You don't usually get to interact with a lot of other people from different squadrons, so it's nice to get to know each other," he said. But giving Peterson employees a day of fun and camaraderie is no easy feat. About 75 volunteers helped organize the event along with all of the men and women of the 21st SVS. The entire event took about six months to organize, Mr. Beck said. Frank Padovich said he, and many other Sports Day participants, appreciate the hard work and extra effort that goes into making the day happen. Mr. Padovich, who works as an engineer with the 721st Mission Support Group at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, said the day allows him and his colleagues to interact with the rest of the 21st Space Wing and Team Pete - an unusual, but pleasant, occurrence. "It's nice to be part of the wing, come down and participate and have some fun," Mr. Padovich said. "I used to be stationed here, and I know how much work goes into this. It's really great that they do it for us." Small Units First Place - 544th IOG, 85 Second Place - 76th SPCS, 57 Third Place - 21st CONS, 42 Medium Units First Place - 21st OG/OSS, 134 Second Place - 21st SW - Staff, 118 Third Place - 21st LRS, 59 Large Units First Place - AFSPC A8/A9, 135 Second Place - 21st Dental, 127 Third Place - SMC, 125