Westlake Corporate Challenge starts July 31

Teams from Smith Barney and St. John Westshore were among the participants in the inaugural Corporate Challenge in 2007.

Annual event aims to strengthen community bonds

"Ohana" is a term originating from the Hawaiian culture meaning family. The familial bond of Ohana extends beyond blood relation to include both adoptive and intentional relationships. These bonds within the corporate community of Westlake have inspired this year’s theme for Westlake Recreation Center’s 12th annual Corporate Challenge. Ohana is where we are stronger. Ohana is where we encourage and support one another. “Ohana is where it all begins!”

In 2007, Bob DeMinico, director of the Westlake Recreation Center, launched the first Corporate Challenge. This friendly, week-long competition was designed to foster relationships and camaraderie between Westlake businesses. Participants for the inaugural games were Cleveland Clinic Westlake, Scott Fetzer, St. John Westshore Hospital, Smith Barney, UFCS, Western, and the City of Westlake. Activities and games covered a variety of interests and abilities including a 5K race, corn hole and sand volleyball. Families attended the event to cheer on their friends and loved ones.

Throughout the years, connections and friendships have grown as old friends return and new ones have formed. Laughter and fun are at the heart of this friendly competition with many great memories made along the way. Families attend the event cheering on their loved ones and co-workers. Some highlights from the past 11 years include the cardboard boat races, bocce ball, poker, air hockey and a cupcake competition.

New for 2017 was the “Pack the Pack” competition. Partnering with the Westlake Board of Education, each team was to purchase and fill 10 backpacks with school supplies. The success of this competition was overwhelming with over 120 backpacks and extra supplies collected for Westlake students. We look forward to continuing this competition in 2018!

The planning team has been hard at work preparing for the 2018 Corporate Challenge, “Ohana is where it all begins!” New to this year’s challenge are an adult scavenger hunt and Corporate Kids' Games! Kids, ages 5-14 years old, will participate in a series of games and contests for fun and prizes. Events will take place from July 31 to Aug. 9. For more information or to register your team, contact Bob DeMinico at 440-808-5700 or bdeminico@cityofwestlake.org.

Beth Patterson

The Westlake Recreation Center is a family facility offering a wide range of programs and activities. We also have a large fitness area, indoor track, group exercise rooms, indoor pool, and gym.

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Volume 10, Issue 12, Posted 9:23 AM, 06.19.2018