Soccer balls, putting games and a chorus of sideline cheers gave Fort Bragg’s Connected Champions a lively rhythm. Held Sept. 19 at Woodland Park, the field day brought military children, families, community partners and volunteers together for sports designed to give every child a way to take part.
The event was hosted by the Army Community Service Exceptional Family Member Program Family Support team. Connected Champions welcomed all military children and selected activities so participants with different skill levels could join in and shine, according to the U.S. Army report published through DVIDS.
For children who needed extra support, the EFMP team worked with ACS Installation Volunteer Services to pair them with dedicated volunteer “buddies.” Those partners helped make the field a place for shared play, encouragement and friendly competition as children chased soccer balls and tried golf-style putting games.
Play created room for connection
Parents also found opportunities to connect while the games unfolded. The DVIDS account says they met with agencies offering family resources and with other parents who understood the experience of raising children in military families. Those conversations helped strengthen local relationships alongside the activity stations.
Connected Champions brought several parts of a community together around the children: Army Community Service staff, volunteers, partner agencies and families. The format made room for each child’s own pace, while the shared games gave everyone something to cheer.
Organizers hope to make Connected Champions an annual tradition at Fort Bragg. Its first outing paired a simple idea—sports for children and families—with the practical support of volunteer buddies and community partners, creating a day centered on participation and connection.
Source: U.S. Army Community Service report on Connected Champions, published by DVIDS.
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