A total of 3,550 participants from 56 companies put their talents on display across several team and individual sports at the largest Dubai Corporate Games yet.
Chalhoub Group’s 13 medals, including 10 gold, earned the company bragging rights as the overall winners of the 12th edition, held this past Friday and Saturday at American University in Dubai.
Other major companies to take part included Al Tayer, Pepsi Co, Choueiri Group, Nestle, Mars and Dubai Duty Free.
The 56 companies competed in team sports like basketball, volleyball, football, cricket, dragon boat and tug of war, while individual employees shined in athletics and fitness events.
Jelena Tustic of Chalhoub Group not only enjoyed being part of her company’s team success, but played a significant role in earning the overall title by contributing with four gold medals.
She reached the top spot on the podium in the Ladies 100 metre sprint, the Ladies 1500m and the gruelling Ironwoman, while also contributing in the Relay 4x100m Mixed.
The success wasn’t all that unfamiliar for Tustic, who said she’s used to winning four to five medals at the Corporate Games, but earning all gold easily marked her biggest achievement.
It was also a case of unfinished business for Chalhoub Group after settling for second place behind Al Tayer last year.
“The first year when I started the running team, it was more ad hoc,” Tustic said. “Then we started to build it up. Based on experience, we focused on building up teams we didn’t have. We had a swimming team for the first time this year and we won three medals, so it really does help us to see the potential our employees and colleagues have.”
Another company that impressed was Dubai Duty Free, who racked up four gold medals, including a double in volleyball.
Coach Mohammad Sagheer saw his players triumph in both the Men’s Volleyball final and the Mixed competition.
“It was very good. We were expecting to face the defending champions from last year, Al Tayer, but we got Pepsi and it were good games,” Sagheer said.
“The Corporate Games include all the major sports, everything. For us, Dubai Duty Free, we like to participate in all the games and it’s a good experience for us. Hopefully next year we’ll do even better.”
Aside from the bragging rights, medals and trophy, Tustic believes the Corporate Games truly help build important camaraderie
within companies.
“I like the Corporate Games because I think it’s the best team-building that any company can have,” she said. “The bonds you make among the people and the team-work, it’s absolutely amazing. I think any company can benefit from participating.”
The 12th edition of the Games was organised by High 5 Events.