What happens when some of Nashville’s biggest organizations face off in a game of dodgeball? You get teamwork, a little friendly rivalry and most importantly, a whole lot of heart.
Recently, the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, AllianceBernstein (AB) and several other corporations participated in the Music City Corporate Challenge, and while the Titans took home the gold, every team walked away with something more significant: a deeper connection to the community and a renewed sense of purpose.
What is the Corporate Challenge?
The Music City Corporate Challenge, presented by Lifepoint Health, is a summer-long series of events hosted by Special Olympics Tennessee. Companies across the state sign up to compete in activities like bowling, trivia, volleyball and dodgeball—all while raising money and awareness for Special Olympics athletes. Entry fees and fundraising efforts directly support year-round programming for thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities. It's part office competition, part fundraiser and all heart.
The People Behind the Teams
For Kohlton Perkins, Regional Sales Consultant at AllianceBernstein, this year was his first leading the company’s involvement, and it meant a lot.
“I’ve got time and energy I want to use in ways that matter,” Perkins shared. “This is the kind of thing that reminds you what you care about.”
Originally from Chicago, Perkins had been involved with adaptive sports through GLASA (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association) and had been looking for something similar in Nashville. When the opportunity came up to support Special Olympics Tennessee through AB, he jumped in—and hasn’t looked back.
AB may have landed third place in dodgeball, but the team walked away stronger and more connected.
"The kickoff event, our first win, and now this, it’s all been impactful," Perkins said. "And we’re just getting started."
More Than Just a Game for the Preds
Max Herz, Radio Announcer for the Nashville Predators, loved how natural the partnership felt.
“These events don’t even feel like volunteer work—they feel like a day well spent,” Herz said.
Max had attended State Summer Games at Lipscomb University earlier this year and was blown away by the turnout and energy. The Predators, a team known for being deeply embedded in their community, showed up big—both on and off the court—and claimed second place in dodgeball.
“We're competitive by nature, so of course we want to win,” Herz added with a smile. “But this is about so much more. It’s about the athletes, the cause, and showing up for the community.”
Titans Bring Home Gold—and Something More
The Titans may have taken first place, but for Jackson Duncan, Senior Sales Consultant for the Tennessee Titans at New Nissan Stadium, the win was just part of a much bigger picture.
“I grew up here in Middle Tennessee. I’ve seen how these events build community and lasting relationships,” Duncan said.
Having previously worked with the Predators, Jackson was no stranger to the Corporate Challenge. He’s seen the friendly rivalry firsthand, but what keeps him coming back is the way the athletes and their stories stay with you.
“I’ve seen the same athletes return year after year. You get to know them. You see the joy and excitement this brings—and that sticks with you,” he said.
The Titans have been involved with Special Olympics Tennessee for several years and have hosted events at Nissan Stadium such as Music City Blitz and Music City Polar Plunge. With a brand-new stadium on the way in 2027, the team hopes to open even more doors for inclusive programming.
A Lasting Impact
The dodgeball tournament may be over for Division 1, but its effects are still being felt. For every team that competed, the true prize wasn’t a trophy; it was the reminder that fulfillment doesn’t come from wins or rankings. It comes from showing up, building connections, and being part of something that matters.
The Corporate Challenge gives businesses a chance to play, compete and fundraise. But more than that, it gives employees a chance to remember why giving back feels so good—and why they’ll keep coming back year after year. Click here to learn more.
