CrossFit community pulling together in support of local heroes.
Plettenberg Bay, WC, “Hero” Workouts were first designed to commemorate a fallen hero who died whilst serving his or her country. Over the years, Military service men, Police and Fire-fighters from around the world have had “CrossFit” workouts named after them in honour of their service and contribution to a greater cause.
This last Saturday, 17th June, Local CrossFit athletes and community members came together to Complete the HERO Work out “BRADLEY” , to honour the life of Plett volunteer Fire Fighter Bradley Richards who gave his life fighting the flames in the recent Plett fires. All funds raised by this initiative were in aid of fellow Volunteer Firefighter , Ian Barnard who sustained burns to his head and arms while trying to save the life of young Bradley.
“Ian, has been a member of CrossFit Plett in the past and has always been welcome with us””, said Donald Ravenscroft Owner at CrossFit Plett, “and we have always recognised the service he is to our Plett Community, and as such we felt the need to support him and his family during this tragic time. Not only losing a friend, but also other family members losing their homes. Ian has always put himself out there to help others regardless of the cost. We decided we needed to do the same for him and his family.”
CrossFit Plett put an invitation and request out to all the other CrossFit Affiliates in South Africa to Participate in the HERO Workout “Bradley” in commemoration of Bradley and help raise Funds for Ian and his family. Over seven other affiliates and 100 athletes from around the country came together on the day to show their Support for those affected in the recent fires. Thanks to CrossFit Caracals in Kommetjie CT, CrossFit George, CrossFit Stellenbosch, CrossFit Grahamstown, CrossFit Northcliff in JHB, CrossFit Wanderes in JHB, CrossFit Irongate in Randburg JHB, CrossFit Slam in Fourways JHB. In All we were able to raise over R10 000. For the Barnard family.
The workout was completed in teams of two and included fireman carries, sprints, pull ups and more. “I think for all, it was about going beyond our comfort zone, putting our physical discomfort aside to complete the workout along with your teammate, just as Ian and Brad did on that horrendous day”, commented Donald Ravenscroft.
CrossFit is not just about working out, getting fitter, getting stronger but also about creating relationship, building community while in a positive, healthy environment. With fires, or without…the community always stands up for each other in times of need. It’s been great to see once again, our community come together and spread out amongst the whole of Plettenberg Bay. The fires came to destroy, but our humanity united us.
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