Big Four CrossFit to fundraise for Travis Manion Foundation

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SIDNEY — Big Four CrossFit is challenging the community in an effort to raise money for families of fallen veterans.

“One of our gym members participates in this, and he brought it to our attention. CrossFit is big with our services and veterans, and it fits right into our core belief. That’s how we decided we were going to put this function on at our gym,” Fundraiser Organizer Tom Martin said.

The fundraiser, a first for Big Four CrossFit, will be held beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 1, to benefit the Travis Manion Foundation.

“It’s exhilarating and exciting. We’re hoping for a great turnout and to help out however we can,” Martin said.

Travis Manion was a United States Marine Corps veteran who served in Iraq as part of the First Recon Battalion. On April 29, 2007, Manion and his fellow Marines were ambushed while searching a suspected insurgent house in the Al Anbar province of Iraq. As he led the counterattack against the enemy forces, Manion was fatally wounded by an enemy sniper while aiding and drawing fire away from his wounded teammates. Because of his actions, every member of his battalion survived the attack.

Manion was awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor. The Travis Manion Foundation was started to honor his legacy of service and self-sacrifice, inspiring people to make an impact by serving others. The foundation aims to strengthen communities by developing programs, training opportunities, and events designed to empower veterans and families of the fallen.

Every year, from April 29 to May 1, the Travis Manion Foundation hosts the Travis Manion Workout of the Day (WOD) to bring veterans, families of the fallen and communities to gether to honor fallen veterans. CrossFit boxes, GORUCK clubs, and gyms throughout the country host the WOD. The workout consists of 29 back squats, a 400 meter run and seven rounds. Currently, 31 participants are registered for the Big Four CrossFit’s fundraiser.

“It’s huge to be able to fundraise for this; it’s priceless. Nobody knows what sacrifices individuals have made for the country, and anything we can do to help them out, I feel we should do that,” Martin said.

Individuals can participate in the Travis Manion WOD by registering at https://donate.travismanion.org/event/2022-manion-wod-big-four-crossfit/e394892. Cost to register is $34 and doors to Big Four CrossFit will open at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 1 with the WOD beginning at 10 a.m. Big Four CrossFit is located at 102 Wall St., Sidney.

By Blythe Alspaugh

[email protected]

Reach the writer at 937-538-4825.

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