Chief stresses importance of intramural sports Published Jan. 15, 2009 By John E. Banks Tinker Public Affairs TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- The Tinker Air Force Base intramural and extramural sports program is an opportunity to challenge Airmen to meet the standards of "integrity first, service before self and excellence in all we do." These core values are the cornerstone of the United States Air Force and are defining characteristics of the Tinker sports program, says the top enlisted Airman. "The sports program allows for service members young and old to interact and have fellowship with members of different squadrons to achieve a positive experience," said 72nd Air Base Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Eric Harmon. The sports program is a 12-month long program to promote increased physical fitness for all personnel assigned to Tinker. The program is intended to encourage health and fitness while giving an instrument for aspiring athletes. "Our program is designed to offer a wide variety of sports to appeal to the athletes from a novice athlete to the world-class level," said Pat Griffin, Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center sports director. The sports offered fall into five separate categories. These are intramural, extramural, varsity, special events and incentive program. The intramural sports are walleyball, racquetball, bench press, volleyball, golf, runs, softball, triathlon, table tennis, flag football, tennis, bowling, basketball, soccer and sand volleyball. "The leadership set the example within the squadron. We are trying to get the word out that participation and supporting of the sports program is a positive experience for all," said Chief Harmon. The extramural sports are over-30 basketball, volleyball and softball (co-ed and recreational). The varsity sports include basketball, volleyball, softball, hockey and soccer. "The different types of events that are offered give all of us an opportunity to participate and support, and the result will be an increased espirit de corps," said Chief Harmon. For more information on any of the sports programs offered at Tinker, contact your squadron sports representative or any fitness representative at the Gerrity Fitness and Sports Center at 734-3651. Intramural sports schedule: Walleyball (T, CT) Jan. Racquetball (T, CT) Feb. Table Tennis (T, CT) March Soccer (L, CT) March-April Golf (L, CT) April-Aug. Runs (T, CT) May/Aug/ Nov/Feb Softball (L, CT) May-Aug. Triathlon (T, CT) Aug. Volleyball (L, CT) Aug.-Sept. Bench press (T, CT) Sept. Flag Football (T, CT) Sept.-Nov. Tennis (T, CT) Sept. Bowling (L, CT) Sept.-April Sand Volleyball (T, CT) Sept. Basketball (L, CT) Dec.-March T = Tournament L = League CT = Commander's Trophy