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Spar-a-Thon 2011
Saturday, February 5th
Wow! It's hard to grasp the fact that this will be our 4th annual Spar-a-Thon!
I can still remember the very first time I walked into the Heart and Stroke Foundation's office and started chatting about my "spar-a-thon" idea...
They probably though I was crazy!
Thankfully though, they loved the idea!
Since that very first Spar-a-Thon, we have been the number 1 fundraiser for a Fit for Heart event!
Last years was by far the best, raising just over five thousand dollars! Amazing!
That sets the bar high for this years event! I want to take the time to thank everyone in advance for all the amazing help!
A little about the event:
The event is open to all our students, beginners or advance, young and not so young!
It is VERY light sparring!
We have had countless students spar for their very first time at this event. (It's that light!)
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Spar-a-Thon
Sudbury's NUMBER ONE Fit for Heart fund-raising event!
(Did I mention 4 years in a row????)
Let's make it FIVE.
What the heck is a Spar-a-Thon. Sounds like something from the movie 300 involving topless men, photoshoped abs, sweat and blood.
Well, it's a definite NO on two counts, YES on one!
NO there are no topless men. Well, there is, but they are all in the change rooms, remember, this is a family business!
NO there will NOT be any blood, sorry folks!
YES, there will be sweat. Lot's of it.
If you are plateauing on route to your goal, this is that "shock" your body is looking for.
"BUT I've never sparred before". That's perfect. That's exactly what the amazing ladies over at the Heart and Stroke Foundation intended this event to be.
Each year, we get countless FIRST TIMERS come out to this event, many who would NEVER spar, participate just for the cause.
That is TRUE heart. Putting your fears aside for the life of others. Stepping out of your comfort zone to find answers that save lives.
That's something to be proud of.
Sorry, I went off on a tantrum for a second! What exactly is the Spar-a-Thon you ask? Well, it's a collection of folks with big hearts who throw on some pads and do some VERY light, extremely minimal (were talking embarrassingly light) contact for the sake of raising funds for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
This event is a phenomenal workout as we try and spar for several hours straight!
What's amazing is the energy in the room as everyone finds themselves in their own little world, doing their own thing for the greater good.
We usually have over 30 participants sparring in 6 "rings" (the squares you see on the floor) all at the same time, leaving very little time for looking around!
This year's event takes place Saturday, February 11th and starts at 12pm and usually runs for about 3 hours.
Now, we usually host it at the end of Feb, but with my wife due March 1st, and the first baby having been 9 day's early, we didn't want to chance it!
And yes, I know, this is more last minute than I would have liked to announce it! Generally it's announced at the start of January, but with an average of 80 per class, some reaching 94 people, it kept getting pushed back on the to do list!
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
We understand that, although the cause is worthy enough, there needs to be some adequate payoff.
Here's what I propose.
For every $5 you raise, I will match you by one dollar as a credit towards memberships.
For example, if you raise $50, pretty easy these days, I will put a $10 credit on your account.
Not much, I know.
But last year, we had 2 students raise over a thousand dollars each, and many many over $500!
So at $500, I will donate $100 onto your account to be used for membership. (essentially, you could buy 3 months for 100 bucks!)
AS AN ADDED BONUS...
We have included in the pledge envelopes a 10 pack of $20 membership gift cards.
Pass these out as you see fit, generally to those who donate to you, and we will match 50% of what ever they invest in, to you.
So, if a friend buys a 1 month membership valued at $80 (paying $20 with his gift card) we will we will put $40 of membership into your account.
Like that's not enough, the top 3 fundraisers will be winning some pretty sweet prizes!
