"There is a level of intimidation for some people when it comes to competing. If we can turn that competition into support, more people will participate in what could be a monumental moment of their year."
Competition is a measure of difference — subtraction, not addition. But in Winnipeg, a new affiliate is inviting other local CrossFit gyms to participate together.
The CrossFit Games Open presents opportunities far beyond qualifying for Regionals or the Games. This is the position of all three owners of CrossFit Sublime — Brendan Sonnichsen, Kyle Wilzer and Brad Sarna. To suppor this position, they've invited boxes from all over Winnipeg for a Grand Opening and Open Kickoff Party.
Sonnichsen, Wilzer and Sarna will reverse the 'us vs. them' mindset of qualifying for the Canada West Regional. They have joined forces with Undefeated CrossFit to support one another through the test of the Open.
"As part of a grand opening for our gym, we planned to have a kickoff party to correspond with the first workout of the 2013 Open,” Sarna says. “We extended an invitation to other affiliates in Winnipeg, inviting their athletes to throw down at our place in one big community workout.”
Sarna says he wants to tighten the CrossFit community in Winnipeg, as well as create an “organic motivation system” for everyone who sees CrossFit as their sport.
“There is a level of intimidation for some people when it comes to competing. If we can turn that competition into support, more people will participate in what could be a monumental moment of their year,” Matt Winchar, owner of Undefeated CrossFit, says.
Winchar regularly builds community events into his programming to encourage not only healthy athletes, but also a healthy community. This also draws new CrossFitters to the sport, he says.
His goal is to have more participation in 2013.
“I’m positive we’ll have a ton of participants this year,” Winchar says. “Last year we had four; this year, I want 40.”
By hosting and participating in events and challenges prior to the Open, Winchar will build enthusiasm within the affiliate. He is testing his athletes with benchmark workouts and time trials.
“I plan to do the same thing with things like CrossFit Total, Fran, etc.,” he says. “These little ground-level challenges are a great way to get people involved and feel empowered. If someone takes part in a competition like this because it's part of a WOD, I think it'll make joining the Open a little less daunting.”
Winchar and Sarna are hoping the kickoff party and the Open will motivate their athletes to set and achieve personal goals.
“The most important thing is that we're bringing the affiliates together in one place to compete together and not against each other,” Winchar says.
Sarna adds: “We want to celebrate our sport and introduce it to new people. It will be a great spectator event for those new to the concept. We are very excited that Undefeated is on board to join the Open (Workout) 13.1 with us … We will all continue to work hard in training Winnipeg athletes to become some of the toughest in Canada West.”