Inaugural Jozi Games

The inaugural Jozi Games managed by the Discovery Soccer Park kick off at the Wanderers Club in Johannesburg in May.

Joburg’s corporate employees will swap their tabs and iPads for balls and bowls when they go head to head in the inaugural games.

The games can be described as the Olympic Games for corporates and the games pit the city’s corporate teams in various sporting games against each other as they battle for individual and team titles.

The event gives employees from various organisations across Gauteng and surrounds the opportunity to compete against each other in a multi-sport championship, nurturing not only employee wellness but employee social development too.

Ryan Kalk, CEO of Discovery Soccer Park said, “The Jozi Games are born out of the idea of encouraging a corporate culture that builds team spirit, creates unity among employees and promotes pride in the company.

“The games aim to improve health, fitness and general well-being in the workplace while simultaneously improving employee relationships, internal communication and teamwork. As a collective, the games also offer companies the opportunity to forge new business connections, including associations with potential new clients in their sectors.”

He added that up to 5 000 employees from more than 100 companies are expected to participate in the inaugural event.

“Employees also get to enjoy the fitness and general sense of wellbeing that comes with being physically active, which is vital for all employees working in today’s fast-paced corporate environment. The effects of sport and physical activity in helping office workers deal with stress are well documented, and Jozi Games proactively support this concept of employee wellness,” said Kalk.

Using the existing facilities available at the Wanderers Sports Club, Jozi Games will offer tournaments in 5-a-side soccer, basketball, Jack Attack bowls, supa 8 cricket, squash, tennis, 1-touch rugby, fast-5s netball, cross-fit and 2-man scramble golf. A 5km fun run will also be held. All events are targeted at all levels of fitness and ability.

The event takes place from 5 to 7 May.