#HOUSETALK
The Power of Sport
Emma Davis, Business Development
Here at the Field House, sports is our bread and butter. From the people who work here, to our regular guests, we all share one passion, being active. Sports and recreation have helped shape us into who we are, enabled us to maintain healthy lifestyles, and has created second families who we count and rely on at all times. We are fortunate to be able to do this day in and day out; however, this isn’t the case for everyone.
The power of sport can change lives in an instant. We wanted to help continue to change lives and afford theopportunity to be activate to all. That’s why our parent company, Eastern Sports Management, created Play On. Our mission is to ensure that every person, young or old, is given the opportunity to stay active, and to receive all of the benefits of sports, fitness, and recreation. We believe in the power of sport, and we are driven by a strong desire to build active communities by providing adults and children access to quality, affordable and/or free programs.
Though we have collectively experienced the positive benefits of sport throughout our lives, as builders, owners, and operators of sports facilities, we are also well aware of the rising costs of construction to build and operatesuch facilities – from utilities to equipment. These costs, along with a population that works longer hours, but has less free time and disposable income, are taking a toll on the participation of sports. Across our organization, we have given back more than $1.4M in the communities which we serve, and we are committed to raising the bar.
With your help, we can provide others ways to maintain better health physically and mentally, expand their social well-being, and provide a safe and rewarding environment. Thinking of supporting our mission? Volunteer, attend an event, become a donor, sponsor an athlete, sponsor a program, or donate equipment/services. Do you know someone who could use our help? Head to PlayOn’s website by clicking the button below.
Corporate Challenge 2019
Emma Davis, Business Development
Corporate Team Building tends to get a bad rap for being a way to force a team to work together or develop leadership skills. Most usually dread it, but the Hampton Roads Sports Commission added a unique twist on this concept and created the Hampton Roads Corporate Challenge. This event encompasses 15 sports throughout the course of 11 days at 7 different venues across the region. The Virginia Beach Field House was lucky enough to play part in this and host wiffleball, kickball, 3v3 basketball, and sand volleyball.
During each event, businesses enjoyed the opportunity to let loose, have some fun, and work together to see who would land on top! Companies like Capital One, who happen to be Field House regulars, won at Kickball, but ultimately Optima Health landed on top for Division 1 teams. Russell’s Heating and Cooling topped the charts in Division 11 and especially crushed the competition during wiffleball!
It was great to have our afternoons filled with smiling faces, playing classic games most haven’t played in years. A little competition and fun can go a long way in creating a great dynamic between teams. We can’t thank the Hampton Roads Sports Commission for partnering with us for this awesome event and we are looking forward to next year!
Looking to have some corporate team building fun of your own? Give us a call to plan yours day!
Passion Beyond the Game
Angel Horowitz, Sports Director
I know I’m not the only one that’s heard the phrase, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I’m one of the lucky ones who consider my workplace a second home and my coworkers extended family. Cheers, referee whistles, high fives, concentrated faces, victory smiles, looks of defeat…who wouldn’t want to work in a place with such a fun, high-energy atmosphere?
I think it’s sometimes forgotten that people who work in recreation are not making millions of dollars. If we’ve decided to dedicate our lives to this industry, it’s because we truly love what we do. When I was a freshman in college, I took a recreation management class. I will never forget the one specific day that gave me my purpose in life. Our professor went around the room and asked everyone to say their favorite memories. Everyone in the class shared stories ranging from going to professional sporting events, to family vacations, to playing in recreational leagues, etc. Once everyone had spoken, our professor looked at all of us and said, “This is why we exist.” Everyone kind of looked at him puzzled, so he further explained, “Everything that was just mentioned is inclusive of recreation and/or sports management in some form or fashion. We exist to give people their best memories.”
There is no greater feeling than being told by one of the players from the Over 30 League that their soccer game is the one thing they truly look forward to every week. I love seeing teams that just played against each other come together in the lounge for a cold brew after running around for 40 minutes. Sport is a universal language, and there is no greater feeling than being able to bring all different types of people together weekly in a fun, competitive, healthy setting. Our leagues give people the opportunity to escape reality for at least an hour of their week. They’re surrounded by teammates that support them, opponents that challenge them, and a game that you can’t help but fall in love with.
We are proud to offer the opportunity for anyone and everyone, regardless of skillset, to be able to participate in our leagues. Hope to see you on the field!
