Posted: Tuesday 8 June 2010
It's A Knockout with FMC Technologies
A entire day of glorious summer sunshine at Ardoe House Hotel provided the perfect setting for a wet, wild and wacky It's A Knockout event with a fantastic group of enthusiastic competitors from FMC Technologies.
The early morning start saw 16 nervous athletes (the term being used fairly loosely) step off the bus in eager anticipation of the fabulous day of It's A Knockout entertainment that lay ahead. They had certainly come dressed for the occasion, with some donning the smallest shorts (Murray) and most hideous shirts we have ever seen...surely I don't have to put Andy's name in brackets after this description! Following some Bacon Rolls and the odd early morning pick-me-up, the big kick-off to the It's A Knockout event arrived!
The morning session of the It' A Knockout event had been specifically designed to ease the two (VERY competitive) teams into action with head-to-head battles on the Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, before moving on to the Archery station. With a distinct lack of imagination regarding team names, Team Anne and Team Ashleigh prepared to mount a serious assault for the much coveted Team Challenge Company It's A Knockout Winners Trophy. Big Bad Bruce was a legend of the highest order on the Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting, whereas Ashleigh proved to be an embarrassment of the highest order, mostly down to her specialist 'Bazooka Stance'!
The competition seemed a little closer over at the Archery, but with the surprise arrival of the one and only Russell 'Robin Hood' Crowe, Team Anne didn't stand a chance, and went in to the break trailing by two wins to nothing! Could Team Anne pick themselves up in the afternoon It's A Knockout session and claw the deficit back, or would Team Ashleigh drive home the advantage and lift the Team Challenge Company It's A Knockout Winners Trophy? There could be only one champion, perhaps the consumption of an extraordinary amount of Creme Brulees would make all the difference...Andy certainly hoped so! (Felt it was only fair to include a photo here of Andy and his shirt over at the Archery...just wow!)
The It's A Knockout races kicked off with what has now become our world famous (probably) Team Challenge Company warm-up. With the cobwebs dusted off following some rather uncoordinated manoeuvres, the It's A Knockout races began with a bang. It was a close fought contest as Team Ashleigh in Red and Team Anne in Orange (much to the dismay of the Dundee fans in the group) battled it out across the huge range of the Team Challenge Company It's A Knockout fun on show. The mighty Sponge Fling proved to be the most popular, though that is perhaps because it resembled a wet t-shirt contest more than anything else...Ian was in his element!
The Big Finale race across the almighty Assault Course marked the end of the It's A Knockout madness, and all that was left was to tally up the points and announce the champs! Despite a valiant effort from the entire team, the Orange's of Team Anne were unfortunately unable to bring themselves on level terms following the morning activities, and were duely presented with the Wooden Spoon to take home in shame (at least you can say you finished in the top 2)! And so, stepping up to claim a sensational It's A Knockout victory and take home the Team Challenge Company Winners Trophy, the Red's of Team Ashleigh, and it must be said they were deserving winners.
A fantastic day of It's A Knockout entertainment had been enjoyed by all, it was absolutely tremendous fun for everyone involved. A big thank-you must go out the Ashleigh and Anne, whose hard work and effort really made the entire event a special one. It was great to work with such a fun bunch of people from FMC Technologies, and Team Challenge Company certainly look forward to seeing you all again soon.