Third annual First Responders Cup raises thousands for mental health
Peterborough ON – (February 27, 2019) – The third annual First Responders Cup has raised over $14,800 for the Canadian Mental Health Association, Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge Branch (CMHA HKPR).
The CrossFit Kawartha team won the coveted Cup for the third year in a row on February 23 at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.
Hosted by Fleming faculty member Jodi Stevens 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.
“I am blown away by the incredible athletes that battled their hearts out for eight hours in support of mental health,” said Stevens. “This year’s event was the largest to date and participants surpassed our fundraising exceptions. I am so proud of our students, our volunteers and all the athletes that competed. A special thank you to our student volunteers who ran this event from start to finish with professionalism and enthusiasm. What an incredible day.”
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 5,900 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 71,000 alumni.
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Media, for more information please contact:
Sara O’Halloran
Communications Officer
sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1366