July 28, 2026
LAKELAND, Fla. – Lakeland Regional Health and the YMCA of West Central Florida are joining forces to start a brand-new tradition dedicated to improving the health and well-being of Polk County.
The Polk Strong Corporate Cup brings together businesses from across Polk County to celebrate friendly competition and community pride through multiple athletic and team-based competitions designed for a wide range of athletic abilities and focused on participation, teamwork, and fun. The winners will earn points for their team, a variety of prizes, and bragging rights for the next year.
“Our hope is that this event will give local companies a chance to build camaraderie across teams and boost company culture outside the workplace, while encouraging employees to be more active and connect with those from other businesses,” said Lauren Springfield, associate vice president of Community Health. “The Polk Strong Corporate Cup will increase visibility of businesses that are committed to employee engagement and wellness, while supporting a healthier workforce and reinforcing Polk County as a place where organizations work together to improve quality of life.”
Companies of all sizes, government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations are eligible to participate. Businesses are encouraged to register teams early at myLRH.org/PolkStrong. Registration is $500 per team, and the deadline to register is Friday, September 18.
“The YMCA has always believed that bringing people together strengthens communities. The Polk Strong Corporate Cup is an exciting opportunity for businesses across Polk County to invest in their teams, build lasting relationships, and promote healthy lifestyles,” said T.J. Wright, CEO of the YMCA of West Central Florida. “We’re proud to partner with Lakeland Regional Health to launch an event that reflects our shared commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community.”
The competition will take place October 23 and 24; most activities will take place at the Bob Adams Family Community YMCA. Events include 3-on-3 basketball, cornhole, bowling, volleyball, Minute to Win It-style challenges, golf, swimming, an obstacle course, a 5K, and tug-of-war. Teams will earn points until the Polk Strong Corporate Cup champion is crowned October 24.
The YMCA of West Central Florida is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving Polk County through the Bob Adams Family Community YMCA, Fontaine Gills Family YMCA, YMCA Par 3 and First Tee – Lakeland, the Lake Wales Early Childhood Center, and several Polk County Public School Sites, the Y impacts thousands of children, adults, and families each year through wellness programs, youth sports, aquatics, early learning, childcare, golf instruction, and community outreach. Committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, the YMCA provides financial assistance and scholarship opportunities that make its programs and services accessible to all. Learn more at www.ymcawcfl.org.
Not-for-profit Lakeland Regional Health reaches beyond its hospital walls to promote wellness, education, and discovery in new places and new ways, providing a wide range of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at its Medical Center, Tampa General Cancer Institute | Lakeland Regional Health Hollis Cancer Center, and ambulatory care locations. Lakeland Regional Health earned Most Wired Advanced and Most Wired status 10 times since 2013 and has earned workplace awards from Forbes, Gallup, and Becker’s Hospital Review. Its 910-bed comprehensive tertiary referral hospital, Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, operates the Jack and Tina Harrell Family Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Medicine; a Level I Trauma Center; the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children, which includes a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit; the Bannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine; and the Harrell Family Center for Behavioral Wellness.
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