I never thought a CrossFit program at my local rec centre would change my life.  I didn’t even know what CrossFit was. I was 15, my brother was 11, and I thought there was no way this was going to work for both of us. But it did.

Coaches Jon, Phil, and Nas gave us their Saturday mornings. Jon had two kids at home. Phil was retired. Nas was in university. None of them owed us anything. But they were still there for us, without fail, every Saturday for more than two years.  They saw me through the second half of high school and always cheered me on and supported me, in and out of the gym.

Now I’m one year from finishing my nursing degree at the University of Ottawa and I can squat 1.5x my body weight.

That being said, Fortis Vitam was so much more than a weekly workout. It taught us discipline, commitment, and persistence when we didn’t always get to see those examples at home. It taught us physical strength, but also the strength of community and the importance of supporting one another.

Being the only female participant, I was definitely self conscious at first, but the coaches always made me feel welcome and equal.  They built me up and told me I could do anything the boys could do. For a fifteen-year-old girl, confidence is a massive gift. I’m not self conscious in the gym anymore. Or anywhere really. I am strong and confident and 4V is a big part of that.

Growing up in the East End of Hamilton, a lot of people didn’t like the cops and the mentality was generally that cops are bad people.  But I know police officers are my friends and they’re there to help.

ProAction is an amazing organization and I’m so grateful for all they’ve given me growing up. I have friends for life now. Cross fitting, power lifting, old man cop friends that I will forever be grateful for.  If I ever make an impact in a child’s life in the way that Jon, Phil, and Nas have made in mine, I’ll know I did a great job.

Thank you Old Republic Insurance Company of Canada for being a long-time supporter of this program!