MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- MacDill’s Hispanic Heritage Committee kicked off festivities for National Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting their first Hispanic Heritage Month Soccer Tournament, Oct. 4, in an effort to introduce Team MacDill to a piece of Hispanic Culture.
In total, 52 participants from different squadrons throughout MacDill competed in the tournament, with awards going to the first, second and third place teams.
According to U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Sidney Maxwell, 6th Communications Squadron client systems supervisor, and event organizer, the tournament was a huge success.
“I keep getting comments that players appreciated the event and celebrating Hispanic Heritage was amazing,” said Maxwell. “I definitely want to host another tournament again, especially knowing that there is potential to make it even better.”
One of the tournament participants, Airman 1st Class Alexia Cook, a 6th Air Refueling Wing Command Post emergency actions controller, stated that the games were competitive and a great opportunity for participants to get together for some fun.
“It didn’t matter if you have ever played soccer before or not, everyone was just there to enjoy and have a good time,” said Cook. “I enjoyed being able to meet new people on base, especially from different commands.”
Hosting events such as Hispanic Heritage Month or any other special observance allows members of Team MacDill to share and experience each other’s cultures.
“I think it’s important to understand that everyone comes from a different background and through this diversity we can make positive impacts at work and in our community,” said Maxwell.