Over the last weekend I got the good fortune to represent my company "Gulf News Broadcasting" at a super fun corporate gaming event called "The Hercules trophy". I was participating on behalf of Radio 2 - (Sister station of Josh 97.8) Our team consisted of a few of my colleagues who are super fit and the "sporty" kinds. With my martial arts and fitness background, I guess this was right up my alley too and so I signed up! :) Plus it looked really happy and fun and that's what we are all looking for right? Multiple ways of finding happiness! :)
 |
| Team "Radio Heads" Taking stage at the Dubai Hercules Trophy - March 2014 |
Once we had got kitted up in our team costume (courtesy Adidas), the day started out with some brain labours - simple puzzles that we solved together as a team. We were so tired exercising our grey cells, we had a really huge breakfast, and then to burn it off, a fantastic group warm up session. The thrill of moving in a synchronized way with 1000+ fit people is something that has got to be experienced. It was really heartening to see all the participants from the 80 odd teams do the warm up drills.. man what a rush!
Post that we had a little impromptu parade kinda routine where each team took stage, waved their team flags and posed for the camera! Some photos are on the hercules trophy facebook page  | ||||||
| Team "Radio Heads" - Rochelle, Joanne, Anjaan, Barry, Emma (standing from left), Vicky, Bella (Kneeling from left) at the Dubai Hercules Trophy - March 2014
Right after that we moved into the first set of Labours.
A labour is one of the 12 team activities/challenges that all teams must compete in. Its called a labour, after the 12 tasks the legendary Greek hero Hercules had to carry out to please the Greek god Zeus. The different labours require varied levels of stamina, strength, problem solving abilities and skills. Descriptions and photos of the 12 Labours we had are here - On the Hercules Trophy Facebook page
What is it?
The Hercules Trophy is a super-charged inter-company teambuilding event that helps enhance relationships between employees, customers and suppliers through the camaraderie of sport. http://www.herculestrophy.com/
When & Where was it?
It was on March 22nd, 2014 at the Sevens Stadium, Dubai
Got more questions?
Check out Hercules Trophy FAQ |
 |
| My Gorgeous Colleagues Emma & Joanne from Gulf News Broadcasting :) |
At an event like this, one could truly feel multi-cultural nature of Dubai, with more than at least 30 nationalities embracing this highly competitive, intense full day of fun activities. Yes, some of the labours were tough, while the others a breeze. Taking part as a team teaches you patience, respect and a deep rooted civility towards other beings. I feel these values resonated across every team that took part and brought about a sort of communal happiness. I had a blast. Perhaps you should convince your company to take part next year?
 |
| Hercules Trophy Team #Selfie - Mandatory right? |
It was well organised, full of energetic happy people who work out and really lots of fun. The carnival kind of atmosphere also ensured that even though you were physically exhausted, you were mentally rejuvenated. I even made some new friends and got to know some colleagues better. Though we didn't win it (we came within the top 20) we did come out as winners.
After all winning always doesn't mean being first, winning means doing better than you've done before, or doing something you've never done before! ;)
 |
| Fooling around with the Dubai Hercules Trophy Mascot |
