IT was a celebration of team spirit and good sportsmanship in SM’s annual sports fest. This year’s theme, “SM Life,” highlighted healthy living for employees amid their busy work schedules by promoting physical fitness through two exciting and fun-filled events, the SM Marathon and the Mini Olympics.

The SM Marathon was held at the SM Mall of Asia Central Business Park, with employees running for health, and taking part in a hip-hop dance tutorial and workout.

This was followed by the SM Mini Olympics at the Rizal Memorial Stadium with SM officials and employees from The SM Store’s 20 Metro Manila and adjacent provincial branches proudly waving their respective team colors. The sporting event returned to the one branch-one team format, welcoming rookie teams SM Aura Lynx and SM BF Parañaque Cheetahs to the sportsfest community.

The return to the iconic Rizal Stadium paved the way for track events, such the men and women’s 100-meter dash-where Noel Ema of SM Megamall and Meriam Fortunato of SM San Lazaro received gold medals, finishing first among the best runners in their categories. The Marikina Krocs were victorious in the 8×50 relay.

The North Edsa Blue Hawks, who won team events, like the sack race and tug-o-war competitions, emerged as Ithe sports fest’s overall champion; while the San Lazaro Mustangs took second place, and the Manila King Cobras, who won in the obstacle race, took third-place honors.

The employees’ team spirit was not only shown in sports, but also in the first SM Sportsfest Street Darice competition. SM Southmall, BF Parañaque, Bicutan and Sucat’s Elite Troop of the South bagged the championship with their rocking moves, eye-catching liftings and patriotic-themed performance. D Legend 22 of SM Makati, Aura, Megamall and Head Office was awarded first runner up, while Zero Gravity of SM Fairview, Novaliches, North Edsa and Marikina was named second runner up.

The new ambassadors of well-being and healthy lifestyle were also introduced, as Gerrone Umali of SM Megamall and Marie Therese Pe of SM Head Office were named Mr. and Ms. SM during the awarding-ceremony.

Employees also enjoyed a raffle draw of Samsung smartphones, alongside being treated to amazing performances from the National University Pep Squad, which recently took home Bronze medals for Coed Elite division from the International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

SM Prime Holdings Inc. President Hans T. Sy and SM Retail Inc.’s Mara Coson graced the sports fest with SM Mart Inc. President Chelo Monasterio and Senior Vice President for Engineering and Security Affairs and Sports fest Committee Chair Antolin Paule.