Local gym invites residents to work out for a cause

Airdrie’s CrossFit 403 is holding a fundraiser for Special Olympics Canada. The business is raising money by having teams register for a 24-hour workout event entitled CF24, Nov. 3.

Last year, a CrossFit gym in Calgary raised a total of $6,000 for Special Olympics through a similar event.

This year, four more gyms from across the country are taking part in the fundraiser.

Heather Crippen, the owner of the local gym, says she participated in the Calgary event and wanted to bring it to her facility this year.

“We are trying to raise $50,000 across Canada,” said Crippen.

“Every hour, on the hour for 24 hours they will do a 10-minute workout. The teams are asked to do fundraising and all the proceeds go to Special Olympics Canada.”

Teams of three can enter into a six-hour, 12-hour or full 24-hour event.

“By the end of those 24 hours, you are pretty tired. It’s great because everyone is coming together for the cause,” said Crippen.

“We are athletes and we are doing this for athletes. We are raising money for athletes who might not be able to compete in some sports.”

There will be a 50/50 draw at the event, as well as a potluck meal, but Crippen says she is looking for local businesses to step forward and support the cause with donations and items for the draw.

Crippen’s original goal was to raise $6,000 out of her gym, but the 13 teams currently registered have raised more than $5,000 so far.

“It shows the power of the CrossFit community, and the community of Airdrie,” said Crippen. “It would mean a lot for me for people to get behind this event.”

CrossFit is the principal strength and conditioning program for many police academies and tactical operations teams, military special operations units, champion martial artists, and hundreds of other elite and professional athletes worldwide.

To register or find out more about the event, call CrossFit 403 at 403-519-9770.