Above, l: Competitors caught some air during the tournament, but dunking on the portable basketball hoops wasn’t allowed. Referees for the event included Dr. Lawrence Tabak, NIDCR director. Above, r: Spectators got into the action, snapping photos of friends and cheering on their favorite teams. Photos: Michael Spencer

For the past few years, NIH has used the HealthierFeds President’s Challenge as a chance to take its own advice, with fitness and screening events planned over the span of several weeks and many activities that encourage large groups of NIH’ers to get out of their offices and get moving.

This year’s kick-off took it to a new level.

The May 4 event in front of Bldg. 1 added a layer of pizzazz and intense competition that was equally thrilling for participants and spectators alike. Perhaps as a nod to President Obama’s sport of choice, this year’s Spring Into Health kick-off featured a spirited tournament of 3-on-3 basketball. After opening remarks that featured a representative from the Washington Mystics basketball team and members of NIH’s fitness community, guests perused the display tables while players warmed up.

Nurses from the Occupational Medical Service offered blood pressure screenings, representatives from NIH’s bicycling, fencing and running clubs met with prospective new members and staff from the R&W, Office of AIDS Research and Weight Watchers offered pamphlets and helpful, healthful information.

As a special treat just before tip-off, Ballou High School’s Majestic Marching Knights band arrived to open the tournament in grand style—stepping, stomping and chanting to the beat of the drums and twirl of the majorettes’ flags. As they marched away, the players took the court, eager to begin.

Tournament winners, the CIT Techno Squad, pose with their trophy. The team of (from l) Delwyn Garnett, Nicholas Griffin, Latara Jordan and Phi Truong bested all challengers.

Using half-courts chalked onto the pavement, the teams braved warm temperatures and battled through the bracket competing in elimination play. Some team names were as creative as the moves players used on the court: The Pathologic Ballers, The Mad Scientists, DNA’s Finest and Nerds in Herds are some examples.

After 4 hours of near-nonstop action, the 24 teams were boiled down to two—the CIT Techno Squad and the Supo-TC All Stars.

With the sun tucked behind the trees, players took to the court one more time, twisting and lunging and leaping and maneuvering in an athletic dance that at times seemed more aerial than terrestrial. In the end, the CIT Techno Squad won the day.

Though most of the event’s basketball players surely got far more than their recommended 30 minutes of physical activity a day, that’s what the HealthierFeds Initiative suggests we all strive for, and there isn’t a better time to get started than this spring.—Valerie Lambros

A member of the OAR Thunder drives to the basket. Playing on tight half-courts, players had to make all their moves count.
Above: No, it’s not a swordfight to determine NIH grant funding. Rather, it’s Dr. Larry Pinkus (r), president of the NIH R&W Fencing Club, exhibiting sabre skills with partner Dr. Castilla McNamara of NIDCD. At left: The Pathologic Ballers included (from l) Rena Rodriguez of NCI, Joe Hendery of the Clinical Center, J. Patrick Gorres of NIAID, and Joe Chinquee and Nkosi Adejola of NCI. Below, l: Players weren’t afraid to get physical, but tried to keep fouls to a minimum. Below, r: Ballou High School’s Majestic Marching Knights gave the tournament a burst of flair.