VS Crossfit Kids Summer 2023
Box steps, burpees, push-ups, oh my...
We kicked off Vertical Sports Maui’s Crossfit Kids Summer Session at Aloha Kihei Crossfit Gym with just over 30 keiki at the beginning of August. It was an incredible start to something new as I was invited to teach nutrition to the kids at each class - a first for the Vertical Sports Maui non-profit organization. The kids had a blast, I had a blast, and some of the coaches were telling me that they didn't even know some of the things being taught to the kids, so everyone was learning!
Then the Maui wildfires hit.
A number of the families who signed up their kids to do Crossfit Kids were forced to evacuate their homes as multiple fires broke out across the island of Maui. Not just once, not just twice, but some had to evacuate three times. I can't imagine the fear and swarm of emotions flooding through a child having to flee from their home in an emergency situation like this. No child should ever have to experience this.
We ended up canceling one class as the fire in Kihei was still going on and unpredictable as to where it was spreading, but we were able to resume for the next one when the fire was no longer a threat. Some wondered if it was too soon to resume, some wanted to keep their families close and at home, some just assumed it was cancelled, but for those who showed up, it was special.
To the right, is a message I had for our group.
Then, last week, we were incredibly blessed with the opportunity to meet one of the many heroes of the Lahaina, Maui wildfires. Benny, a former personal trainer, was featured on Good Morning America for his heroic act in saving the lives of 2 local women by getting them into the water to safety, away from the blazing wildfires.
Benny was repping one of our Vertical Sports shirts in the interview, so we reached out to him and asked about his connection to Vertical Sports. Turns out, he had gotten the shirt at one of the donation sites on island. From there, a connection was made, and Benny was so gracious to come and speak to our Crossfit kids about how keeping his body active and strong not only helped him to escape the tragic Lahaina wildfires, but it also helped him save the lives of several others. Benny is such a humble man. He said he just did what anyone else would’ve done; but we know that in order for him to do what he did, it required a good amount of physical strength, endurance, and a strong mind.
Benny’s story is one of bravery, sacrifice, and selflessness… We honor you, Benny, and the incredible man that you are. Thank you for all that you did to help others to safety and for being a wonderful example to our keiki. We look forward to working out with you again soon!
If you’d like to help support Benny through this transition, you can Venmo him @Rbiniam25!
At the end of the day, sport is more than just about play and competition.
It’s about building character, encouraging one another, inspiring one another, leading by example, teamwork, and it can even be an act of worship in how we fuel and move our bodies and how we treat one another on and off the field/court.