First Responders Cup raises thousands for mental health
Peterborough ON – (April 26, 2018) – The second annual First Responders Cup has raised about $8,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch (CMHA HKPR).
The Kawartha Crossfit team won the coveted Cup at the event, held April 14 at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
Hosted by Fleming faculty member Jodi Van Engen and students in Fleming College’s Pre-Service Firefighter, Paramedic, Customs Border Services and Police Foundations programs, the event features six-person, co-ed teams that are given eight different first responder fitness challenges to complete over eight hours. The team with the fastest cumulative time over all eight circuits wins the cup.
“What an incredible day we had,” said Van Engen. “Despite the weather scare, we still had all 80 athletes attend and battle through eight hours of physical challenges. The 12 teams that competed were a mix of local first responders, students, faculty and community members.”
She added that the event received support throughout the day from local first responders including Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough County-City Paramedics, and the OPP.
Students initiated the First Responders Cup in 2017 after taking a mental health class that discussed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the policing profession. The students wanted to eliminate stigma around the topic and help bring awareness to the community.
About Fleming College
Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 74,000 alumni.
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For more information, please contact:
Laura Copeland
laura.copeland@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1370