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Fitness Meets Esports: Navy Announces Inaugural Navy MWR Esports Fitness Challenge

May 6, 2024 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

Navy Fleet and Family Readiness’s (FFR) Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Esports Program launches its inaugural Navy MWR Esports Fitness Challenge. This groundbreaking challenge uniquely merges physical fitness with the competitive spirit of esports to enhance camaraderie, wellness and resilience among participants.

In partnership with Complexity Gaming, a leader in the esports industry, MWR aims to offer a unique and engaging experience for service members. This collaboration combines the best of esports with physical fitness. The Navy MWR Esports Fitness Challenge is structured to ensure a fun, competitive and high-standard event.

“Supporting esports athletes by integrating physical fitness has been shown to support optimal posture, enhance reaction time, mental agility, and overall stamina. These are critical for competitive gaming, operational demands, and quality of life throughout our Sailors’ lives,” said Tunde Ridley, FFR Navy Fitness Branch Head. He continued, “a more holistic approach supports peak performance in all aspects of a Sailor’s duties, reinforcing the essential connection between a fit body and a sharp mind in achieving mission success.”

Throughout the competition, service members will compete in three different video games: Apex, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and NBA 2K24. The challenge features 33 virtual tournaments where participants can win prizes such as Xboxes, iPads and exclusive jerseys. Each tournament offers participants a chance to climb the Global Leaderboard by excelling in both esports and fitness challenges.

Throughout the competition, service members will compete in three different video games: Apex, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and NBA 2K24. The challenge features 33 virtual tournaments where participants can win prizes such as Xboxes, iPads, and exclusive jerseys. Each tournament offers a chance to climb the Global Leaderboard by excelling in both esports and fitness challenges.

The fitness components of the challenge are based on the Navy's Operational Fitness and Fueling System (NOFFS) program, which provides a “best in class” physical fitness and nutrition performance resource. NOFFS instructs participants on how to physically train effectively and safely, making it an ideal foundation for the Navy MWR Esports Fitness Challenge.

“The Navy MWR Esports Fitness Challenge is more than a competition; it’s a community-building initiative that harnesses the excitement of esports to forge stronger bonds among our Sailors,” shared Brooke Haley, FFR MWR Liberty and Community Recreation Program Manager. “By engaging service members in this dynamic way, we not only cater to their evolving interests but also promote resilience and adaptability to meet the challenges of military life. We’re committed to providing innovative programs and services that support the well-being and readiness of our military community.”

Open to all service members, the Navy MWR Esports Fitness Challenge offers an opportunity to engage in healthy competition, improve physical fitness and connect with fellow enthusiasts in a supportive and exciting environment. Navy MWR Esports is a Community Recreation initiative designed to provide entertainment and recreation opportunities through competitive sports. This multidimensional initiative also increases programming opportunities at MWR Liberty Centers through technological improvements and provides top-quality esports competitions to the Navy community. Navy MWR Liberty offers single and unaccompanied junior Sailors (E1-E6) recreational and leisure programs, trips and outings, outdoor adventure activities, entertainment and cultural experiences, volunteer and outreach experiences and social activities.

For more information about the Navy MWR Esports Fitness Challenge, visit navymwr.org/esportsfitnesschallenge.
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