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]
“Without competition, you can’t get better. But without unity, you won’t go far.”
This powerful message rang true on Friday, August 23rd, as the Fight To End Cancer (FTEC) hosted its inaugural Fitness Games at Durham’s top gym, Crunch Whitby. This event marked a significant milestone, bringing together six dedicated teams to fundraise and compete in support of the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation (PMCF).
These teams didn’t just participate; they laid the groundwork as the original league of FTEC Ambassadors, going head-to-head in the FTEC Fitness Games Playoffs. The atmosphere was electric, with competitors pushing their limits and spectators cheering them on, all for a greater cause— the Fight To End Cancer.
The FTEC Fitness Games featured a variety of events designed to test strength, endurance, and teamwork. Inspired by First Responder fitness tests and enhanced with engaging challenges including:
- Sally Up Push-Up Challenge
- Beep Test – Last Runner Standing
- 1-2 Burn Out – Last Puncher Standing
- Tug of War
- DINAO CHALLENGE (Finale)
Event Highlights:
- Running Waters Takes the Lead:The Beep Test saw fierce competition, with Running Waters’ Team Captain emerging victorious, securing the gold.
- Whitby Crunchers’ Tug-of-War Triumph: In a show of strength and determination, the Whitby Crunchers dominated the Tug-of-War matches, leaving a lasting impression.
- Adidas 2065’s Milestone: Team Adidas 2065, led by Captain Temo Floress, took centre stage as they celebrated reaching the $1,000 fundraising milestone, earning a roaring applause from the crowd.
- Champions Crowned: The ultimate glory went to The PaceMakerz, who captured the 1st FTEC Fitness Games Championship, etching their name in history as the first-ever champions.
Beyond the competition, the event successfully united over 40 competitors and dozens of spectators, raising $3,000 through the combined efforts of all teams. Adding to this success were the contributions from The Rookie Division, whose running initiatives since 2022 boosted the total fundraiser amount to nearly $10,000. These efforts are moving the needle closer to the Fight To End Cancer’s ambitious $3 million milestone.
While the event was filled with challenges, victories, and celebrations, its core objective was clear: to unite the community under the banner of The Fight To End Cancer. The FTEC Fitness Games showcased that camaraderie, personal growth, and community spirit are essential elements in our collective battle to defeat cancer in our lifetime.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing host, Crunch Whitby, and their dedicated staff. We also extend our gratitude to our food sponsors—Booster Juice, BarBurrito Canada, and Yanga Sports Water—who helped fuel the athletes throughout the event.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Mark your calendars for the upcoming FRIDAY NIGHT FIGHTS ‘TO END CANCER’— another exciting opportunity to come together, compete, and make a difference in the ongoing Fight To End Cancer. Stay tuned for more details!
Following the FTEC Games, The Rookie Division’s next challenge is the 2025 New York Marathon! FTEC’s golden-crew of First Responders is gearing up to achieve their milestone goal of raising over $10K at the 2025 Boxing Gala and New York City Marathon. The Rookie Division is excited to tackle more miles in support of the Fight To End Cancer! 👊🎗️⚡️
The Rookie Division hit the streets at the 2023 Toronto Waterfront Marathon, raising both funds and hope in the Fight To End Cancer.
“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
Thank you again for your support Crunch Fitness, Tyrone and The Rookie Division!
The Rookie Division has poured immense heart and dedication into the Fight To End Cancer, and we can’t thank them enough! We are always on the lookout for more individuals ready to join the fight. If you’re interested, please feel free to contact us or join the fight! If you’re interested please Contact Us or Join The Fight!
Together we will end cancer in our lifetime!
Defeat Is NOT An Option!
Welcome to the Crunch Family
There are no judgments here – No too much or not enough. No glares of disapproval. Here we keep open minds. We are nurturers. We seek only to encourage, empower and entertain. There is no one type. There is no one reason. There is no one way.
What we are is a diverse community; what we have is a culture of fun; what there is, is room for everyone: all kinds of people with all kinds of goals who’ve chosen to come reach them with us.
No Limits. Learn More
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
