The Olympic games date back more than 2,000 years. Many of the ideals we value about competition today originated from them — physical challenge, goodwill, and a spirit of mutual understanding, friendship and camaraderie amongst athletes from around the world.
The Department of Defense’s Armed Forces Sports teams were founded on similar ideals in 1947. Today, Armed Forces Sports (AFS) attracts the best and brightest talent inside the purview of active-duty athletes from among the six branches. The Coast Guard joined AFS in September 1998.
Chief Warrant Officer Kenneth Collins said about the AFS, “The morale is over the top. Our athletes take so much pride in what they do.” Collins leads the Coast Guard Sports Program, which falls under the Community Services Command. “We assemble the official service team; when they put on their jerseys, they put on another uniform, and it’s the same level of pride,” he said. “The retention piece is amazing; many people have told me they extended their contract for the opportunity to continue representing the Coast Guard in military sports.”
The Coast Guard has three native teams: rugby, golf, and gaming. The other sports — including basketball, softball, wrestling, triathlon, marathon and cross country — are played through Navy partnerships. They are all sponsored by the Morale, Well-Being and Recreation (MWR) Program through non-appropriated funds.
