The competition was fierce, and the mission was meaningful at this year’s Music City Corporate Challenge, presented by Lifepoint Health, featuring the Division 1 Sand Volleyball Tournament. Held at SandBar Nashville, the tournament brought together companies from across the region for a day of sun, sand and spirited play.
After a series of high-energy matchups, UBS emerged victorious with first place, followed by a strong showing from the Nashville Predators in second and the Tennessee Titans in third.
More than just a sporting event, the tournament united corporate teams behind a greater purpose: supporting Special Olympics athletes through inclusive, year-round programming across Tennessee.
Nissan Builds Community, On and Off the Court
For Nissan's Stephen Brooks, signing up was a no-brainer.
“I jumped on it right away,” said Brooks. “It’s fun to compete and connect with other companies in a friendly way.”
But the impact goes far beyond game day.
“We just finished our Stuff the Bus school supply drive, and there’s a blood drive next week,” Brooks shared. “Nissan makes it easy for anyone to get involved, whether it’s volunteering, donating, or just showing up.”
From toy drives to internal team-building events, giving back is deeply woven into the company culture.
Aegis Sciences Corporation Turns Team Spirit Into Wellness and Giving
Clarissa Mitchell, a Research Chemist at Aegis Sciences Corporation, didn’t expect to be playing volleyball her first year at the company, but she was all in.
“I’m not great at sports—if you saw me play, you’d get it—but it’s such a great atmosphere,” Mitchell laughed. “Everyone here is supporting something bigger than themselves.”
Aegis has supported Special Olympics for eight years, and participation in Corporate Challenge aligns with their employee wellness initiative, where staff can earn health insurance incentives for being active in events.
“Even if you don’t play, you can support,” said Mitchell. “We send out donation links, we show up, and we cheer each other on.”
Pillsbury Shows Up Year After Year—for the Right Reasons
For Rhonda Cobb, Financial Systems Manager at Pillsbury Law, the Corporate Challenge has become a summer tradition.
“It’s something I look forward to every year,” said Cobb. “You get to bond with coworkers you don’t usually see and have a great time doing it.”
Cobb has a personal connection to the cause.
“I have a special needs niece, and we used to attend Special Olympics events when she was younger, so it’s close to my heart,” Cobb said.
Pillsbury’s ongoing commitment reflects a company culture rooted in service, empathy, and bringing people together.
Where Competition Fuels Connection
The Division 1 Sand Volleyball Tournament at SandBar Nashville wasn’t just about bumping and spiking; it was about strengthening community ties through shared purpose. With every serve and rally, teams helped fund Special Olympics Tennessee’s mission to empower athletes of all abilities.
When companies come together with a cause in mind, the real victory is felt far beyond the court.
Click here to learn more about the Music City Corporate Challenge.
