Microsoft Corporate Challenge kicks off in Kochi

Kochi, Sept 1: Taking a break from the routine, 35 corporate teams began their battle in the Microsoft Corporate Challenge here today, testing their skills in mental and physical activities ranging from rowing and cycling to cracking codes and problem solving.

The five-stage, three-day Microsoft Corporate Challenge is being held at the Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) and the adjoining backwaters, Mr Prem Bhatia, Managing Director of Sports Media Ltd, the organisers of the event, said.

The first edition of the challenge, held at Goa last year, was won by the ICICI Bank with J M Morgan Stanley coming in second.

Teams from the IT, banking, advertising, financial services, telecom, media, FMCG and the manufacturing industries are taking part in the event.

Each team consists of seven members, including two women and a senior management member.

The test of skills includes running, rowing, cycling, cracking codes, problem solving and light engineering to judge the fitness levels and strategic skills of the members.

The Microsoft Corporate Challenges supports Pratham, an organisation working for children's education.

UNI