YPC Athletics: More Than Just a Game
As I sit back and think about how much Young Professionals Connection (YPC) Athletics has evolved in the last couple years, my first instinct is to point out the level of growth specifically. Our numbers for softball have increased 10 fold, sand volleyball teams have more than tripled, and the inception of indoor volleyball and kickball teams have produced eight teams apiece. Smaller events, such as the most recent outing to Climb Iowa, have given members the opportunity to expand the breadth of their activity base and learn something new. However, upon further contemplation it has occurred to me that the most important advancement within YPC Athletics is the increased power of the connections made by YPC members with one another.
I think back to last summer for a specific instance. In this scenario, eight random individuals signed up to be a part of the YPC sand volleyball league at The Sands. For the most part they did not know one another, but as the season progressed so did their friendships. The impression made on these members reached far beyond the sand on their feet. Now, one year later, after a handful of organized socials, countless other outings, and even a couple of board positions, the legend of “To Kill A Blocking Nerd” continues. One member of their team said to me at our happy hour in March, “If it wasn’t for you, we all wouldn’t know one another.” To me, that is worth much more than any number of trophies that are won.
Upcoming Athletic Events for Summer/Fall
- Summer Coed Summer Softball
- Summer Coed Kickball
- 2012 YPC Volleyballooza
- Fall Whiff-It Tournament
- Fall Bowling
- Fall Coed Kickball
Stay up-to-date on YPC events through the weekly newsletter or blog.
Derek Johnson
Athletics Chair
Young Professionals Connection (YPC)
The Young Professionals Connection (YPC) promotes an environment that attracts and retains young professionals in Greater Des Moines (DSM). YPC connects young professionals to each other and to the community through social, civic, charitable and professional development endeavors. YPC members have unique opportunities to grow personally and professionally and forge lasting relationships. They engage, connect and form a foundation for their future in DSM. YPC is an initiative of the Greater Des Moines Partnership.