ABOUT CF|24

WHAT IS CF|24?

CF24 is a national CrossFit event and fundraiser that brings communities together in support of the Special Olympics Canada Foundation.

Our goal is to help introduce Special Olympics athletes to local gyms and create long-lasting relationships that extend past the one-day CF24 event. 

To date, CF24 has raised over $1 million dollars for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation through the CrossFit communities in Canada.

2022 CF|24

October 1st, the 2022 CF24 will be one “hero” style workout that participants are invited to complete from coast to coast!

The safety of our participants and athletes continue to be a top priority. With this new one workout format for 2022, participants can complete this challenge from a location of their choosing!

To learn more about this year’s event and why you should get involved, click here to listen to Reza’s podcast!

Keep an eye on @CF24 for more info as we get closer to the big day!

3 Pillars of CF24

Raising funds for the Special Olympics Canada Foundation

The Special Olympics Canada Foundation (SOCF) was founded in 1997. It exists to financially support the strategic objectives of Special Olympics Canada.

SOCF’s organizational goals are to:

  • Increase program participation of individuals with an intellectual disability;
  • Increase recruitment of volunteers, including trained coaches and officials;
  • Ensure the financial integrity of the Special Olympics Canada movement for generations to come.
  • SOCF believes individuals with an intellectual disability can lead healthier and happier lives when given the opportunity to participate in sport programs.

To learn more about SOCF, click here.

INCLUSION

Our goal is to help introduce local Special Olympics Athletes to local CrossFit gyms and create long lasting relationships that extend past the one day event. 

AWARENESS

We want to help educate our peers about the Special Olympics movement. To do this, we use the #NoGoodWay campaign.
The aim of the #NoGoodWay campaign is to eliminate the word “retard” from everyday conversation. You wouldn’t use other words rooted in discrimination, so why use one that reminds people with intellectual disabilities of bullying and exclusion?

MEET THE TEAM

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Matt LeQuelenec

Founder

In 2011, Matt was fortunate enough to work with a team of coaches and organizers to found the CF24 event. What started with a 24 hour workout in one gym in Calgary, quickly grew to a national event. Throughout that time, he’s been amazed to see how the event has grown and endured. It’s signature combination of hard work, a belief in finding fitness at all levels, and a little bit of crazy, has resonated with gyms from BC to PEI. “I’ve been humbled to see it’s leadership transition twice; and each time it finds new participants and ways to succeed.” This event has raised over a million dollars for Special Olympics chapters in Canada, and as importantly it has showcased the determination, heart, and resilience of the Special Olympics athletes. 3,2,1….go!

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Reza Mashkoori

Manager

Reza has been involved with CF24 since its inception, and is thrilled to lead the charge as the CF24 manager. Reza is a certified level 3 trainer and co-owner of CrossFit NCR in Ottawa, Ontario. He is a dedicated supporter of the Special Olympics and an advocate for inclusion. Reza believes fitness should be accessible to everyone and is motivated to introduce more Special Olympic athletes to the sport! 

 

Sam Meahan

Program Assistant

Since discovering CrossFit in 2018, Sam has been on a mission to introduce fitness to more individuals with the goals of improving health, fostering stronger community and enhancing quality of life. Upon learning about the invaluable impact CF24 has had on the Special Olympics community, Sam was eager to get involved in any way possible. He hopes to see a future state in which fitness is even more accessible to the Special Olympics and mental health communities. Outside of the gym, you can find Sam geeking out on anything and everything related to health and wellness, as well as going on nature hikes with his Mini English Bull Terrier, Satori.

Sarah Young

Event Specialist

Sarah joined the motionball – CF24 team as an Event Coordinator in 2021, and supports logistics and athlete engagement. Sarah has been involved with the Special Olympics community for years as a Special Olympics coach and a motionballU Student Event Director. Sarah believes that sport is a powerful tool for inclusion and loves to see CrossFit gyms opening their doors to people of all abilities. 

Gillian Stovel

Corporate Strategist

Gillian grew up knowing her mom’s younger brother, the late Richard Keil, as “Uncle Richard.”  He was a Canadian Special Olympics athlete in swimming. Active in competitive athletics from a very young age, transitioning ultimately CrossFit as her passion sport in 2009, Gillian has her CFL1 and annually hosts a kids’ family CrossFit games with her kids and nephews. She owes a huge amount of gratitude to the sport of CrossFit because at its core, the sport is scalable and accessible to all. It is an immensely powerful culture of inclusion and a celebration of human adaptation and strength. Gillian is honoured to be working with CF|24 on what for her is an awesome collision of athleticism, community and joy.

 

Victoria Ditzend

Social Media Coordinator

Victoria has been a part of the CrossFit Community since 2013, and in 2015/2016 began volunteering with the kids programs and “Girl Power” program at her gym. In 2019 Victoria obtained her CF L1 to lead these programs as well as regular CF classes! This past year she has also begun coaching her gym’s Special Olympics Powerlifting Team. Victoria has a passion for creating an inclusive gym environment that is welcoming to everyone.