GRAND FORKS (AP) - Competition in the "Tanker Olympics" at Grand Forks Air Force Base got under way Friday with human dog sled races, street hockey, a 1½-mile run, rock climbing and dodge ball.

The weekend event is bringing together about 60 people from the nation's five air tanker refueling bases to meet and take part in friendly competition.

"The tanker community has been very busy with the global war on terror," said Capt. Michael Davis, one of the organizers. "The games are the perfect venue to discuss developing issues affecting the ways we train and fight, as well as build camaraderie in the process."

Col. Lee DeRemer, commander of the 319th Operations Group, said the Grand Forks base also wants to show its attributes.

"Grand Forks is a great place to work and live, and we want to show our fellow tanker warriors just what is offered here," he said.

Besides Grand Forks, the competition includes McChord Air Force Base and Fairchild Air Force Base, both in Washington state; MacDill Air Force Base in Florida; McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas; and Robins Air Force Base in Georgia.

"They are the best in the world, and they're here to compete … but they're all part of the same team," said Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., who attended Friday's events. "At the end of the day, they're on team USA."

The event also was to include tours of the area, a trip to a University of North Dakota basketball game and a "Winter Fest" party on base.