INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Incirlik's intramural sports program begins with teams competing for one goal - to win the base championship trophy, the Commanders Cup.

The Commander's Cup is a traveling trophy, awarded by the 39th Air Base Wing Commander to the squadron with the most points for the year. There are points given for coming in 1st, 2nd and 3rd for each sport and points for playoffs wins.

"I think it is important to have intramural sports, especially here at Incirlik," said Staff Sgt. Elsa Barnett 39th Force Support Squadron fitness center sports director. "When it's fun and you are playing with your squadron it promotes team camaraderie. You are also getting a work out, but it doesn't feel like it because you are having fun."

The intramural sports program is conducted with the help of the Fitness Center, and sports are held all year round. The five sports that generate points are soccer, flag football, basketball, volleyball and softball. Other sports competitions including racquetball, bowling and golf are organized but do not result in Commanders Cup points.

Members can participate in squadron teams or, if their squadron has not formed a team, can be put in the player's pool, said Barnett. All active duty military, Turkish personnel, Incirlik Unit School teachers and dependents can join a team and compete.

To participate in a sport, each unit must submit a letter of intent for the sport that season. Units have a primary and alternate sport representative that forms unit members into a team. If the units have a team there will be a coaches meeting where the by-laws and rules are discussed and established. After all the teams are set, a schedule for that sport is made.

All sports take place on Incirlik Air Base, and basic and safety equipment is provided for each sport. Commander's Cup seasons normally begin with flag football and end with soccer, said Tech. Sgt. Aron Mueller 39th FSS fitness center NCOIC.

"I think it's a morale booster and it gets people away from work. Some people get more competitive than others, but win or lose you go out there and have fun," Mueller said.

If you are interested in participating in intramural sports, contact your unit sports representative or call the fitness center for more information at DSN 676-6086.