Other than Golf

By Ethel G. Rubio

I am neither a fan of golf as a sport nor golfing as a networking or fundraising activity.

There, I said it.

There is a certain elitism about the sport that does not resonate well with me. It is not inclusive. Especially now that every company in the construction industry is in a diversity-equity-inclusion mode, golfing as a revered physical activity in the industry does not reflect that.

For starters, not everyone can play golf. Organized golf tournaments for fun or a way to raise funds only engage a few who can play. The rest only get to be on the sidelines to attend as a guest in the after-golf-tournament dinners or perhaps as sponsors.

If we were to address this inequality, we should be looking at other outdoor physical activities other than golf. 

How about organizing a 5K walk/run? I am biased. I had this revelation when I made my list of new year’s resolutions for 2022 early in January. I committed myself to participate in a 5K walk/run each month. I have already signed up through July 2022 for my monthly 5K events.

No, I am neither a runner nor a marathoner. I stayed away from that sport for a long time because I had asthma growing up.

But when I started walking for exercise and hitting those three-mile goals each time, I figured I might as well join a 5K event every month. Yes, I am going on my 5th in May!

The upside- I beat my own best time at my own pace. And, I can invite other people to join me. It is a healthy outdoor activity. These gave me another revelation— anyone can walk or run.

Why not have a 5K walk/run as a sport, a networking event, or a fundraising activity in the construction industry? There can be an event for those in wheelchairs, too. Besides, everyone takes home a medal when they finish the race.

It addresses diversity (anyone can participate), equity (do it at your own pace to get to the finish line), and inclusion (more can do it) more than golf.

So, I challenge the professional organizations in the construction industry to host a 5K event as a networking or fundraising activity that can bring more people together in the spirit of fun, camaraderie, and well-being.

P.S. I did a quick Google search on “5K walk/run in construction,” and there’s no professional organization currently doing it. If I missed yours, please let me know.

AIA, ASCE, AGC, CMAA, NAWIC, NAMCSC, IFMA, AAa/e, ISI, RICS, BDA, AWA+D, ASID, ASA— any takers?