AFOSI battles local businesses

  • Published
  • By Jasmine Bennett
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Air Force Office of Special Investigations 10th Field Investigation Squadron participated in Battle of the Businesses from June 5-12, to help raise funds for the Dayton Chapter of Special Olympics.

Battle of the Businesses has been an annual event for the last 29 years, where teams made-up of Dayton-area businesses compete in several sporting events and fundraising initiatives at local business throughout the Miami Valley.

This year was AFOSI 10 FIS's first appearance in this event where they competed against 35 teams over the course of 8 days. The 24-member team decided to get involved in the Battle of the Businesses as way build team cohesion.

"This event was a great way to strengthen camaraderie within the unit, while also raising awareness and getting involved in the community," said team coach Special Agent Beth Smith.

For the event, the team competed against local business such as Lexis Nexis and Reynolds & Reynolds in numerous events such as swimming, bowling, and track and field. To raise funds for the Dayton Chapter of Special Olympics, the team organized bake sales and held an event at City Barbeque, a local restaurant in Beavercreek.

"It was great to work with other local business to build closer ties with our community," Special Agent Smith said.

The team raised a total of $1,200, placed first in the government category, and won the recreational Tug-of-War event. They also won 1 of 3 SPIRIT awards, which are given to teams that exemplify teamwork, community service, and overall support to the Special Olympics.

The Battle of the Businesses event rose over $68,000 from all the participating teams. These funds go towards travel expenses and lodging for Dayton Chapter of Special Olympic athletes that advance to the state and national competitions. This year 120 Special Olympic athletes have advanced to the state competition in Columbus on June 25-27.

"Each member was dedicated, which made our team successful," said Special Agent Smith, "Hopefully we inspire others to get involved and give back to the community".
For the state competition on June 25, several special agents will also participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run into Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium during the opening ceremonies.

For anyone that would be interested in participating or volunteering for the Battle of the Businesses event next year, there is more information on the website http://daytonbattleofthebusinesses.web.officelive.com.