Employee Olympics 2021, by the Numbers

A man jumps to avoid being hit while playing dodgeball.

On Dec. 15, Drexel University hosted a very special version of its annual Employee Olympics: the first held since 2019, due to the pandemic, and one that was held not in the summer, as in previous years, but in the winter — a true Employee Winter Olympics!

Drexel faculty and professional staff came together as participants and fans to engage in some friendly competition and lighthearted relaxing at the end of the first term Drexel welcomed everyone back to campus since the COVID-19 pandemic. Dragons who attended Employee Olympics either as participants or spectators adhered to the University’s COVID-19 safety procedures and masking protocols during the event.

Employees gathered at the Daskalakis Athletic Center to participate in basketball, dodgeball, baggo and a Fun Walk (which was also held virtually), and stayed warm outside with firepits for roasting s’mores. For those competing in the games, winning teams were awarded gold medals and individuals who displayed exemplary teamwork, sportsmanship and enthusiasm received “Torch Bearer” awards. All participants received T-shirts and a commemorative scarf, as well as 25 wellness incentive points. 

To honor the return of a beloved employee tradition and look back at the fun that was had, DrexelNow put together a “by the numbers” recap and photo essay to show how the Dragons had fun going for both the blue and the gold.

  • 1 GoPro to stream the Fun Walk
  • 1 Drexel therapy dog (Java!)
  • 1 Mario the Magnificent
  • 4 sports (3 v. 3 basketball, 5 v. 5 dodgeball, 2 v. 2 baggo, Fun Walk)
  • 4 basketball teams
  • 8 dodgeball teams
  • 10 gallons of hot chocolate
  • 12 fire pits
  • 18 baggo teams
  • 34 virtual Fun Walk attendees
  • 167 in-person participants
  • 200 s’mores kits
  • Many happy employees! 

All photos in this story are credited to Hanbit Kwon.

Drexel's therapy dog Java with friends.
Cornhole players in the basketball court.
Employees walking by the DAC on campus.
Mario the dragon poses for a selfie with a group of fans.
Winners receive medals from Mario.
Masked fans cheer on their colleagues.
Drexel employees gathered under a balloon archway.