Fuelled by Grit, Heart, and a Mission to End Cancer—One Step, One Punch, One Victory at a Time
There’s something remarkable about The Rookie Division—a crew that embodies what it truly means to fight with heart. Composed of first responders, community leaders, and everyday warriors, these incredible individuals continue to power the momentum behind The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC), raising critical funds and awareness through unwavering dedication.
“To be successful is not even important. How to plan and prepare is crucial. When you plan very well and prepare very well, then success can come on the way”.
~ Eliud Kipchoge
Starting off the year, the Rookies bring their A-game to the 5th edition of the Run To End Cancer. Taking over the Paris marathon, they hope to surpass their $15K fundraiser goal. Following Paris, Durham’s fittest and finest will unite under the FTEC banner to complete the FTEC Fitness Games trilogy. Additionally, RDRC is returning in the Fall with a new FTEC fan favourite fundraiser event, the Warrior Town Run, proudly hosted by Town Brewery and powered by one of Durham’s favourite run groups, Running Waters. Finally, the Rookies are usher in their newest member, John Virgo. John is not only the mind behind the RDRC merch designs but he will also being putting his best foot forward in this years Ironman Canada hosted in Ottawa. John not only looks to complete his first Ironman, but to become the first Rookie and FTEC Ambassador to be officially knighted as an Ironman Finisher.
The FTEC Fitness Games, another initiative presented by The Rookie Division.
The FTEC Fitness Games feature a variety of challenges designed to test strength, endurance, and teamwork, inspired by First Responder fitness tests and enhanced with engaging team-based experiences.
More than just a competition, the FTEC Fitness Games became a platform for resilience, community, and collective impact. The initiative brought together participants of all fitness levels, creating opportunities to push physical and mental limits while building camaraderie and friendly rivalry. Through the efforts of the Rookie Division, including their exclusive Fitness Games, participants contributed over $10,000 directly to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, turning movement into meaningful support for cancer research and care.
Each event within the FTEC Fitness Games initiative was never just about performance. It was about passion, perseverance, and purpose. Whether participants were first responders, cancer survivors, fitness enthusiasts, or simply individuals with a personal reason to step up, the Games created space to push limits, stand beside community, and make every rep, step, and drop of sweat count.
At the FTEC Fitness Games, it was never just about competing. It was about fighting together.
The Rookie Division Legacy: From the Track to the Ring, The Rookies Take It All On
The Rookies continue to drive meaningful impact across the FTEC community, showing up with both strength and vulnerability in everything they take on — from endurance events to stepping into the ring.
Tyrone Magbitang made history when he competed at Gloves Up Toronto, training for months at Kingsway Boxing Club before earning both a hard-fought victory and Best Male Fighter of the Night at Rebel Nightclub. He also became the first Fight Ambassador to compete in an external event — extending the reach of FTEC beyond its own platform.
Andrew Slater proved that grit isn’t limited to boxing, taking on the demanding Spartan Trifecta Weekend and completing a 21K, 10K, and 5K over a single weekend. His effort set a powerful standard within The Rookies, inspiring others to aim higher.
The momentum carried forward as The Rookie Division continued logging miles for a cause, from the Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the iconic New York City Marathon — showing that however they choose to move, The Rookies remain committed to pushing limits, supporting one another, and advancing the mission.
New Faces, Same Fire: 2026’s Rookie Lineup is Ready to Rise
Building on their success in charity running, The Rookie Division launched the inaugural FTEC Fitness Games. This exciting new event showcases their unwavering commitment to ending cancer in our lifetime. [Article photos supplied by John Valeri]
Why It Matters: Fighting With More Than Just Gloves
At its core, The Fight To End Cancer is about more than boxing matches or athletic feats—it’s about uniting communities, honoring those we’ve lost, and empowering those still in the fight. It’s about pushing past limits in support of groundbreaking research at the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, one of the world’s leading cancer research centers.
The Rookie Division is the heart of this mission. Whether they’re pounding pavement or throwing punches, they fight with courage and compassion—channeling their personal stories into public victories.
Their motto? No step is too small. No fight is too big.
And with every mile run, every dollar raised, and every event conquered, these incredible rookies remind us that tomorrow’s breakthroughs begin with today’s heroes.
Want to Join the Fight?
Support The Rookie Division and The Fight To End Cancer by donating, participating, or cheering from the sidelines. Because when community rises, cancer falls.
“The initial event that led me to join the Fight to End Cancer was the loss of my grandmother to liver cancer in the spring of 2022. Her passing served as an awakening to the harsh reality of cancer. To escape the empty void, I initiated a mission to combat the rising cases of cancer. After contacting Jennifer Huggins, I found my home and was welcomed with open arms to the Fight To End Cancer charity.
The driving force in my fight is to honor my grandmother and the community of survivors, victims, and lost loved ones. Having these values embedded within my heart gives me the fuel to be a strong ambassador for the fight to end cancer.
In the near future, I hope to see the efforts at Fight to End Cancer have a significant influence on changing the tide in the war against cancer. Additionally, as an ambassador for the charity, I hope to inspire others to join the fight and pursue their charitable endeavours. I truly believe the essential element to igniting change is the unity of others in pursuit of a common mission. One of the greatest lessons my grandmother taught me was that the definition of a beautiful life is fighting for something other than yourself.”
– Tyrone Kozminski Magbitang
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our presenting partners: Grafton Apparel, Landscape Plus Ltd., and our newest partner, APEX Mobile Media.
Since 2014, Grafton Apparel has been a force in the community, contributing over $2 million to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation through innovative, year-round initiatives.
Landscape Plus Ltd., under the leadership of Jim Mosher and family, has been instrumental since 2012, helping to raise over $3 million in direct donations. Their dedication honours personal connections to the cause and strengthens our community impact.
Elevating their commitment, APEX Mobile Media, a key sponsor since 2020, has stepped into the role of Presenting Partner for 2025. Their global reach and expertise in mobile advertising are set to amplify FTEC’s mission, bringing the fight against cancer to a worldwide audience. Together, these partnerships embody our collective resolve to knock out cancer in our lifetime.
About The Fight To End Cancer
The Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) is a year-round initiative driven by ambassadors, sponsors, and volunteers worldwide. Since our inception in 2012, we have donated nearly $3 million to the cause. Funds raised by FTEC go directly to the GTX Program at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. Each year, we honour the hard work and dedication of our FTEC family through alternating events: a black-tie charity boxing gala and our newest initiative, The Friday Night Fights ‘To End Cancer’. Our mission is to raise funds for cancer research year-round with the support of the local community and business owners. Together, we will end cancer in our lifetime. Learn More About The Fight To End Cancer.
About The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at University Health Network raises funds for breakthrough research, exemplary teaching and compassionate care at Princess Margaret Hospital and its research arm, the Ontario Cancer Institute, which now includes The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and The Campbell Family Breast Cancer Research Institute. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.thepmcf.ca
