2/9/13 Special CrossFit Fundraiser for Special Arhletes
-Written by KC
Let me win. But if I can not win, let me be brave in the attempt. -Special Olympics Athletes Oath-
WestHawaiiToday.com
Special event for special athletes
Big Island residents Saturday burned calories and broke a sweat in a CrossFit competition to raise funds for Special Olympics.
The 2013 CrossFit for Special Olympics West Hawaii, is put on by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an international organization of law enforcement officers that organizes and participates in various events to raise funds for Special Olympics.
The $35 entry fee went to the local organization to support local athletes in their pursuit of state championship games, SOWH Area Director Sandie Dela Cruz said.
Special Olympics, modeled after the Olympic Games, provides year-round training and competitive sports for physically or mentally challenged athletes. Teams compete in games on the Big Island and Maui to qualify for state games on Oahu, where Special Olympians compete for medals.
The organization’s annual budget runs about $60,000, according to Dela Cruz.
AllStar attends CrossFit Kona event to help benefit Special Olympics
I was honored to be able to help out and be a 'counter/judge' at CrossFit Kona's event on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. When I heard that they were going to host a CrossFit event for the Special Olympics I was ALL IN. When I heard there would be people who have never done CrossFit before, competing in this event, I was curious! It worked beautifully....the workout was a 'Fight Gone Bad' style sequence, but all bodyweight elements, no barbells. Participants went from 1 min. of Wall Balls, Pull Ups, Box, Jumps, Push Ups, and a Row for Calories, with a 1 min. rest between 3 rounds. All movements were scaled appropriately. They had and Open division, and 3 scaled divisions. I did not compete as an athlete, but I was able to be right in on the action and judge all 7 heats of competition. I must say, the heat with the Special Olympic athletes was the most inspiring thing I have experienced in a long time. I counted reps for a boy, pictured at right, who was doing CrossFit for the first time, and he was also deaf. He had a chance to practice earlier in the week, and he did GREAT! He was so proud of himself, he high fived and knuckle knocked me after every round and all through the workout. You can tell by the picture at right, how stoked he was at what he accomplished, and what that ribbon proved, he DID IT!!!
I'm also very proud of Ben Gold, who showed up to help, and to participate by competing in the workout. Ben was the only AllStar athlete to compete, and I was a very proud coach to have one of our Athletes there representing our box!!! Cindy Morse also showed up a little later in the day to show her support. Mahalo nui you two!
What a blessed day!