Team Devil Dog is on the offensive during a basketball match versus the
Partnership brings additional sports opportunities in Brussels
BRUSSELS -- A unique partnership in Brussels united an international community with more recreational activities and events. Brussels American School and U.S. Army Garrison Benelux in Brussels worked together to host more opportunities for adult recreational sports in the area.
Specifically, Brussels American School made their gymnasium available for Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to sponsor and host events in the facility. Garrison fitness facilities in Brussels do not have a gymnasium, which previously limited sports programming.
Leadership from the two organizations came together, recognized the benefit to the community and formed an agreement for shared use of the facility.
“We’re here to support NATO and a ready Europe. Opportunities like this sustain and improve military and DOD civilian morale,” said Raymond Myers, deputy garrison manager in Brussels.
Myers was quick to credit Collette Tate, Brussels American School principal, and Dan Fraizer, MWR supervisory sports specialist, for the agreement.
Tate demonstrated commitment to the health and well-being of the entire community with her decision to allow MWR to use the BAS gymnasium.
Myers added that “Fraizer used creativity to partner effectively and stretch services.”
Fraizer said the partnership with BAS was mutually beneficial, especially since both organizations are serving family members.
“We’re all the same community. They (BAS) have the kids and we have the parents,” said Fraizer.
Brussels American School has used MWR facility space for school events as well.
The community was quick to embrace the benefits of the partnership. Fraizer contacted U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Alexander Villa with the U.S. Delegation to the NATO Military Committee about starting a recreational basketball league.
Villa found strong interest at NATO Headquarters and, within weeks, they were able to field a roster of seven international teams for the basketball league.
The USAG Benelux Basketball League teams play Tuesdays and Thursdays in the BAS gymnasium and culminates March 12-14 with an end of season tournament.
Villa is also heavily involved in bringing additional adult recreational sports to Brussels including the upcoming Spring Invitational Volleyball Tournament featuring teams from across Europe.
Adult recreational sports are important for multiple reasons.
“They help us meet sport and fitness goals,” said Fraizer. “Friendly competition provides a fun way for the community to distress off duty and after hours. The more bonds and relationships we build, the more we strengthen our community.”
For more information about sports and fitness opportunities visit the Benelux Family and MWR website.
Story by Cyndi Juarez, USAG Benelux Public Affairs