Vested Interest - Group workout will raise $ to outfit troops

By Emily PeckSpecial Correspondent

Published May 20 2007

CrossFit Stamford will exercise its community spirit Saturday by sponsoring workouts to benefit U.S. military troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., teams of four will seek to complete a timed event of 300 pull-ups, 400 push-ups, 500 sit-ups and 600 squats to raise money for the Trevor Win'E Memorial Fund, which donates cooling vests to soldiers overseas.

As of early this week, six teams had signed up to participate in the challenge, part of a nationwide effort.

"It is really intense, really hard, but it builds group camaraderie through an intense workout," says Kristie Bickler, co-owner of CrossFit Stamford. "Everybody feels this bond because they all do this hard workout together; just finishing it would be an accomplishment."

The exercises are basic to CrossFit programs, she says. In addition to sponsors, organizers expect people to show up, even if they can't complete the challenge, so they can help donate the vests."It's a good cause, and we get an opportunity for additional exercise," says Derek Capellaro of Norwalk, who has signed up individually and will be placed on a team the day of the challenge.

"It's a friendly competition because of the group atmosphere, which always pushes us all a little bit more."The Trevor Win'E Memorial Fund was established by Rick and Debi Win'E of California to honor the memory of their son, who was killed May 1, 2004, in action near Mosul, Iraq. The nonprofit organization raises funds to provide cooling vests for U.S. military members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The vests help cool soldiers who must endure 120-plus-degree heat and heavy layers of armor and equipment. The vests are rechargeable, either by plugging the inserted cooling packs into an air conditioner or plunging them into water."The Army doesn't provide them, but when they were sent over, all the troops really loved it and requested more," Bickler says. "They make it a little more bearable to be out there."

The entry fee for Saturday's challenge is $40 per person and the $160 raised by each team purchases and ships one vest.

"It's not too late to sign up," Bickler says. "(Participants) don't have to be members, either. It's all for a good cause."

CrossFit Stamford offers group training to all fitness levels. The Memorial Challenge will be held at CrossFit gyms across the nation Memorial Day weekend.

"It's a physical competition, but it's also a bonding experience," says Steve Perrotta, a Stamford police officer who has organized two teams. "We're all friends, but we're still keeping our progress a secret from each other."

CrossFit Stamford is at 880 Canal St. Call 569-2906, visit www.crossfitstamford.com or e-mail info@crossfitstamford.com. For information about the Trevor Win'E Memorial Fund, visit www.TrevorWinE.com.

Copyright © 2007, Southern Connecticut Newspapers, Inc.