RUfit? Team sports maintain social fitness

by Michela Branch
USAFE-AFAFRICA Public Affairs

12/19/2014 - RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa began a new campaign called "RUfit?" Oct.1, which focuses on the four pillars of fitness: social, mental, physical and spiritual.

Some Ramstein High School students highlighted the importance of team sports to maintaining social fitness.

"Being part of a team provides you with better skills in life--you learn teamwork," said Madison Spohr, a senior athlete at Ramstein High School. "You also learn how to communicate better with different types of people and different types of situations."

For example, working through drama between two players helps teach cooperation among teammates and working with German soccer teams helps teach how to establish communication between two cultures, said Spohr.

While interactions between teams of different cultures can be difficult, those interactions lead to better socialization between players of the same team.
Sports are important because they unite people for a common goal, said Clesson Allman, a junior football player; "it's like a brotherhood."

Being part of a team develops traits that indirectly lead to the team's success.
According to Spohr, a soccer player, team players need to be respectful and trust their team members for them to believe they can get to the goal.

In addition to respect and trust, communication is an essential part of social fitness, whether it deals with high school students or Airmen.

"You have to have communication between everybody and that could mean winning or losing a game," said Kristina Poe, a sophomore softball player.

The "RUfit?" campaign focuses on communication as an important aspect of social fitness. The campaign highlights social fitness as the development and maintenance of trusted friendships that are personally fulfilling and foster good communication.

"You can't be social without communication," Spohr concluded. "You need to talk to people--that's how you interact."

Playing sports is one way high school students build communication skills, which can lead to positive social relationships. While sports are not the only way to maintain social fitness, they are a useful tool for overall fitness.