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.
After nearly crushing their $10,000 fundraising goal last year, The Rookies proved once again that they’re far more than newcomers—they’re trailblazers. Their fierce commitment helped push FTEC ever closer to the historic $4 million fundraising milestone, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
The FTEC Fitness Games feature a variety of events designed to test strength, endurance, and teamwork. Inspired by First Responder fitness tests and enhanced with engaging challenges including:
The FTEC Fitness Games are more than just a competition—they’re a celebration of resilience, community, and the relentless pursuit of a cancer-free future. Designed to push physical and mental limits, this high-energy event brings together participants of all fitness levels in a series of challenges that channel the strength and dedication of our First Responders. Each station is crafted to inspire camaraderie, ignite friendly rivalry, and most importantly, raise awareness and funds for the Fight To End Cancer.
What’s in Store? A Power-Packed Lineup of Challenges
Inspired by real-world First Responder fitness benchmarks and elevated with a signature FTEC twist, this year’s games include:
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Sally Up Push-Up Challenge
Think you’ve got what it takes to keep up with the beat? This crowd-favorite challenge combines rhythm and strength as participants push through each rep to the iconic “Bring Sally Up” track. It’s as fun as it is brutal—and only the most disciplined arms survive. -
Beep Test – Last Runner Standing
A classic endurance test that separates the casual joggers from the relentless runners. With each passing beep, the pace quickens, the stakes rise, and only one can remain. It’s a battle of lungs, legs, and pure willpower. -
1-2 Burn Out – Last Puncher Standing
A nod to FTEC’s boxing roots, this test of stamina challenges participants to throw continuous 1-2 combos—jab and cross—until their arms can go no more. The last puncher standing proves not just strength, but heart. -
Tug of War
Raw power meets team synergy in this showdown of strength and strategy. Teams battle it out in head-to-head pulls for glory, pride, and bragging rights. It’s gritty, it’s sweaty, and it’s wildly entertaining. -
DINAO CHALLENGE (Finale)
The finale event—and perhaps the most feared—the “Do It Now Or Abstain” (DINAO) Challenge pushes participants beyond limits they thought possible. A high-intensity obstacle combining all elements of the day—agility, strength, coordination, and mental toughness—this closing challenge is a true test of character. Only the most determined finish strong.
Each event in the FTEC Fitness Games isn’t just about performance—it’s about passion, perseverance, and purpose. Whether you’re a first responder, a cancer survivor, a fitness enthusiast, or simply someone with a reason to fight, these games invite you to push beyond your limits, stand beside your community, and make every rep, step, and drop of sweat count.
Because at the FTEC Fitness Games, we don’t just compete—we fight together.
Last Year’s Legacy: From the Track to the Ring, The Rookies Took It All On
In 2024, The Rookies unleashed a flurry of triumphs that resonated across the FTEC community. From marathons to mountains—literally—they stepped into the arena with both strength and vulnerability.
Among them, Tyrone Magbitang stood out as he stepped into the ring at Gloves Up Toronto, the renowned first responder boxing event held at Rebel Night Club. Months of punishing training at Kingsway Boxing Club culminated in a victory that didn’t just earn him a win, but the title of “Best Male Fighter” of the Night. He also made FTEC history as the first Fight Ambassador to compete in an external event—further extending the reach and impact of the cause.
Meanwhile, Andrew Slater showed that grit isn’t just reserved for the ring. Taking on the Spartan Trifecta Weekend, he crushed a grueling lineup of a 21K, 10K, and 5K race—all within a single weekend. His achievement sparked inspiration throughout The Rookies, setting the tone for an even more ambitious return this year.
As the year came to a close, The Rookie Division laced up their running shoes once more, conquering miles for a mission—from the Toronto Waterfront Marathon to the iconic New York City Marathon, one of the world’s premier long-distance events.
New Faces, Same Fire: 2025’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]
Now in 2025, the next chapter is being written. The Rookie Division is expanding with new heroes, fresh stories, and even bigger dreams. Among the new recruits is Advay Harish, a graduate in Police Foundations and Advanced Law who coordinates Durham College’s Annual Justice Games—a high-energy fitness tournament for emergency service students. Inspired by his mother’s battle and triumph over cancer, Advay made history by designating FTEC as the first-ever charity sponsor of the Justice Games.
Then there’s Temo Flores, a name already etched into the FTEC family legacy. A cancer survivor and a community specialist at Lululemon, Temo’s passion led to the inaugural collaboration between Lululemon and FTEC, and his team, Adidas 2065, won top fundraising honours at the first-ever FTEC Fitness Games. Now, he’s helping coordinate the second edition of the event, ensuring it grows even stronger and louder.
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
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
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!
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
