Bermuda will be the first country in the Atlantic region to host the Corporate Games when the spectacle comes to the Island in October.The Games, which are scheduled for October 25 to 28 on local shores, are expected to attract anything between 1,000 to 2,000 competitors from the east coast of Canada and the US and the Caribbean.Sponsors, The Whitfield Group Ltd, are encouraging athletes of all levels of fitness and ages to participate in the four-day multi-sport festival with teams from international and local corporations, organisations or groups in what they say will be “friendly competition.”Games licensee, Suzie Pewter, said the Games would provide opportunities for companies to network and forge new relationships“To be successful in the Games or in the business world, organisations need to foster healthy competition and great team work,” said Pewter. “The Corporate Games offers this and so much more.“It’ll also be a chance to showcase the Island, its sporting facilities, provide unparalleled opportunities for networking and social events, as well as give athletes of all standards and ages a chance to compete. “Competitors can select one of 18 sports from badminton, basketball, netball, softball, tennis, rugby sevens, ball hockey, beach volleyball, golf, field hockey, sailing, squash, swimming, touch rugby, tenpin bowling, running, football and triathlon.For the past 25 years, over a million participants, whose 20,000 companies have supported them, have taken part in Corporate Games on five continents, 25 countries and 53 cities.An official Corporate Village will be set up on Front Street, where athletes will receive their competition schedules and get chance to meet local as well as others from different countries.Charmaine Burgess, spokesperson for the Games, said she was expecting competitors from as far away as Turkey to come to Bermuda, and is anticipating an influx of business to the Island.“We’ve been working with a number of establishments to provide accommodations for every budget,” said Burgess.“We’ve been working with the Bermuda Hotel Association, in particular the Fairmont Hotels, the Reefs, the Royal Palms to offer attractive rates to our international guests.“In addition, participants can also select private rentals of furnished houses and private homes that are being made available through the sporting body associations.“We’ve had interest from countries as far away as Turkey as well as the major cities along the eastern seaboard of the United States and Toronto.”Games Chief Operating Officer, Gemma Godfrey added: “The team building benefits just cannot be underestimated.“As a keen sportsperson myself, I can tell you that it is tough to replicate the camaraderie and team spirit that you experience in professional team sport, when you move to an office environment.“However, I am a firm believer that the Games are an optimal vehicle to achieve that.“The Games will provide an unforgettable experience for all entrants, regardless of age or ability. We’ve had people enter from as young as nine all the way up to 90 years of age.”Those interested can register now at www.bermudacorporategames.com or call 232-9999.