Soldiers compete for title of 'Ultimate Spartan' during Family Organizational Day

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division
Story by Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile

Date: 09.29.2011
Posted: 09.30.2011 13:23
News ID: 77841
Soldiers compete for title of 'Ultimate Spartan' during Family Organizational Day

FORT BLISS, Texas - The very first Spartan Olympics was held on East Fort Bliss, Sept. 29. The day-long event had something to offer each of the more than 200 “Spartan” soldiers and their family members who participated.

While most of the “Spartan” Battalion and their families participated in the Spartan Olympics at Biggs Park, 12 brave “Spartan” soldiers with 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, decided to compete for the title of Ultimate Spartan.

The Ultimate Spartan Competitors, whose day began at the Fort Bliss Air Assault Course, participated in a wide range of events. They first negotiated all 9 obstacles at the Air Assault Course.

They then had to complete a ruck march from Fort Bliss to Biggs Park on East Fort Bliss. Immediately after arriving at Biggs Park the soldiers dropped their rucks and began another obstacle course.

The second obstacle course included tire flips, hurdles, water can carry, and SKEDCO drag. At the completion of the SKEDCO drag the competitors had the opportunity to lower their time by completing the iron cross where they held out two sledgehammers for time.

“Select soldiers from all the companies competed in the Ultimate Spartan, a grueling test of physical capability, mental will and intestinal fortitude,” said Maj. Nelson David, the “Spartan” executive officer. “The winner received distinguished recognition as a warrior whose actions set the example for other soldiers to follow.”

At the end of the Ultimate Spartan competition, the soldier that received that recognition was Sgt. Anthony Davis, of Alpha Company.

“I like to challenge and push myself,” he said. “But my main reason for competing was to inspire my soldiers to do outstanding things for themselves.”

In addition to the Ultimate Spartan Competition the battalion also held the Spartan Olympics for the soldiers and their families.

The Spartan Olympics, a series of family and unit events, included; dizzy bat races, football, volleyball, a moon bounce, Stryker rides, face painting and a BBQ lunch.

“Spartan Olympics conveys a sense of camaraderie, reinforces unit cohesion and facilitates family involvement and togetherness through competitive yet recreational events,” said Maj. David. The Spartan Olympics strengthened the bond within the Spartan family, he added.