Intramural sports return at YPG
After a nearly two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, intramural sports for those living and working at Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) has made its return.
So, whether you are active-duty military, their family members, DA Civilians, YPG contractors, retirees or living on base and above the age of 18, you can get your competition on for a multitude of sports that are returning as the year progresses.
“We are looking forward to seeing everybody again, my whole team is excited,” said Steve Ward the recreation supervisor.
Upcoming intramural sports include volleyball, bowling, indoor soccer, basketball, and even individual sports like table tennis, free throw and threepoint shooting competitions.
“If anyone has ideas of sports or some type of intramural play that we don’t typically do out here, we would love to hear some ideas,” Ward said.
Last month the fitness center hosted a four-on-four outdoor soccer league. Prior to that, the soccer league was only done indoors, according to Ward. “This was the first outdoor soccer league that we have had in 30 plus years.”
It was also the first intramural league outside of covid and had a great turnout. Five teams competed against each other over the monthlong season for bragging rights and the right to the championship trophy.
Team Aviation Soccer Squad was the team to beat, as they took home the first championship trophy during the intramural soccer league that ran from March 30 to May 2.
“This builds a community camaraderie through all of us that work and live out here,” said Ward. “It’s a good time, you see people that either live or work out here that you don’t get to see all the time.”
The YPG Air Delivery team showed up in full force for bragging rights and won in league play, but fell short in taking home the championship trophy.
Regardless, Ward hopes it kickstarts others to get involved in the upcoming sports. Those interested can find the upcoming dates through their Facebook page by searching @ yumamwr.
“They will also see postings on marquees and monitors throughout the installation, and flyers will be posted around the base,” Ward said.