Coming together for inner-city kids
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This article was published 28/08/2017 (2973 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Winnipeg sports organizations have come together to help each other thrive amidst their most difficult struggles.
Transcona CrossFit centre has committed to putting efforts into raising $20,000 for Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata’s North End Hockey Program. The gym will be having a fundraising event on Oct. 7 where athletes will be taking on a challenge to work out for 24 hours.
The 24 in 24 event hopes to bring awareness to the program to support the inner-city youth sports by making money and equipment donations. TCF is also collecting new or lightly used kids hockey equipment that can be dropped off at its new location at Unit 3 – 877 Redonda St. starting Sept. 1 or at Ma Mawi at 445 King St. They are also looking for sponsors.
NEHP has been working hard to empower North End kids and give them an opportunity to play organized hockey. According to Arvin Arabe, program co-ordinator, hockey is a costly sport.
Although their resources are limited, the program has affected the children’s lives for the better, as it’s brought the families together when they attend games and support each other. Furthermore, it has taught the little ones how to deal with the challenges in their lives.
“They feel adversity. They feel belongingness. They feel wellness. They learn skills — social skills. It gives them direction and structure, and it carries over to other avenues in their lives,” he said.
TFC’s owner and head coach Lynne Nelson said they are looking forward to the opportunity to show the community that CrossFit is all about community and empowering each other.
“At the end of the day (CrossFit) is all about community, because…without people helping you and being there for you is very hard to stay motivated, it’s very hard to keep going when your muscles are very sore…but when you have a community there, and you become a family, and you become supportive of your peers, and you’re always creating an amazing energy, it changes your whole life,” Nelson said.
NEHP practices out of Pioneer Arena, West Kildonan Memorial Arena once a week.
Arabe said the core of the program is to practise together as many times as they can, this way, the community makes sure kids are engaged in healthy activities and are gaining valuable experiences.
Nelson said giving back to the community has always been her intention. She opened up TCF a year ago and hosted a small fundraising event where she raised $5,000 for a friend who had cancer. This is the first time she is hosting something this big.
“I’m super blessed and humbled and honoured that people are willing to do this. I’m very excited for the light it can bring and for people that we do care about the community,” she said.
Registration costs $30, or people can raise money beyond that. As of Aug. 23, TCF had 25 athletes registered, and they are limiting spots to 60. To register, a person must have CrossFit experience. To register, contact Nelson at lynne@transconacrossfit.com or 204-688-9178. The gym is having a family kickoff party on Sept. 16 at 4 p.m. at 3-877 Redonda St. where the kids, coaches, parents, volunteers and athletes will be present.