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VALHALLA PROJECT FUNDRAISER AIMS TO SUPPORT VETERANS

"IT'S A GRIND OF A WORKOUT. IT'S MEANT TO PUSH PEOPLE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY"

BRILEE SEARS Brilee Sears

A local veteran is hoping to give back to other veterans and first responders by organizing a Murph workout fundraiser to benefit the Valhalla Project on Victoria Day.

"There's people that are there that go through severe ups and downs, even myself. I dealt with depression and the counselling that they do changes people's lives," said veteran and CrossFit 905 coach Robert McAlpine.

The Valhalla Project is a non-profit group in Niagara that aims to reduce the rate of suicide in veterans and first responders through programs designed to support and educate people about PTSD. Part of this support includes free or discounted exercise programs.

"We started a cardioboxing program for veterans and first responders here at the gym. They work with the Valhalla Project to give veterans and first responders an outlet. Physical fitness is very important and the Valhalla Project does counselling for those groups," he said.

McAlpine has helped to coach the free classes for veterans and first responders every Saturday morning at CrossFit 905 for the last four months, but he wanted to find another way to help support the organization he cares about.

"We'd like to make this an annual event if we can. So this is our first step in providing support financially to the organization. We've been supporting their members through the cardio-boxing program that we run on Saturday mornings, but we wanted to do something a little different to help them out."

During the fundraiser on May 23 between 60 to 90 participants will complete a "Murph workout," made to honour Navy Lieutenant Michael Murphy who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2005.

The workout will consist of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups, 300 air squats, before ending with a second one-mile run.

Many participants will complete the workout circuit wearing a 20-pound vest or body armour, adding to the difficulty of an already intense challenge.

For those who want to participate but are worried about the level of activity, accommodations are available.

"It's a grind of a workout. It's meant to push people physically and mentally," said McAlpine. "But we also have modifications so if there are people who physically can't run, we have a rowing machine, we have a bike. If people can't do the full pull-ups we have bands."

Registration for the event is only $15, but McAlpine says he knows of several people that have been fundraising to help bring in additional donations on the day of the event.

The fundraiser will be held at the Crossfit 905 location in Niagara Falls on May 23 beginning at 9 a.m. with a barbecue for participants beginning at 12:30.

Spots are still available. Anyone interested in participating can register online at niagarastrength.com under the specialty class section. Donations can also be made directly to the Valhalla Project at valhallaprojectniagara.org.

OPINION

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2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-19T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://communitynews.pressreader.com/article/281788517667887

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