GRRC hosts ‘The Major’ Annual Golfing for Wellness Event

Emma Hughes
Gila River Indian News

On Jan. 25, Gila River Gaming Enterprises (GRGE), in partnership with Whirlwind Golf Club, held its third annual Golfing for Wellness–The Major event to promote health and well-being among its employees from all four GRGE locations: Vee Quiva, Wild Horse Pass, Lone Butte and San Tan.

The event brought together 60 team members and featured special guests Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis, Lt. Gov. Regina Antone, GRGE Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Manuel, the GRGE leadership team, two-time MLB world series champion Jacoby Ellsbury, Epson Tour Professional Gabby Lemieux and PGA Professional Jason Montoya.

Lt. Gov. Antone said although she’s never golfed, “The way it was set up for beginners to experienced players, I felt welcomed to learn. There were many employees at different skill levels all having fun.”

In a few short years, this golf event has become a popular employee engagement program that also offers networking opportunities. It includes basic golf instruction for beginners consisting of fundamental training in swing, chipping and putting as well as practical, hands-on experience with a nine-hole course. Intermediate and advanced players can join a summer league.

Manuel, the GRGE CEO, established the Gila River Gaming Enterprises’ Wellness Program in 2019, and Golfing for Wellness has becaome an integral part of that, according to Myron Sundust, general manager for Vee Quiva. “Since its inception, the Wellness Program has experienced remarkable growth,” he stated in an email, “offering a diverse array of events and activities aimed at promoting employee well-being.”

The program has flourished under the guidance of GRGE Human Resources Program Specialists and Wellness Champions Cecilia English and Faith McLaughlin.

“These dedicated individuals have orchestrated various initiatives, such as hiking, 5K runs/walks, lunch and learns, basketball and hot yoga, catering to the diverse interests of our team members,” Sundust said.

“It truly felt like a family reunion,” Lt. Gov. Antone said. “It was a time to relax and decompress, but still exercise in the spirit of wellness. I appreciate the organizational staff who continue to put on different types of activities for all interested employees throughout the year.”