Thousands of dollars have been raised for Clare’s Angels in a day of CrossFit competition to honour Jake Walton.
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Now in its second year, the Jake Walton Classic at CrossFit Dubbo attracted 65 competitors from across the region, as well as Sydney and Canberra.
Despite the heat at the weekend, the dedicated CrossFit athletes didn’t hesitate to sweat it out for the competition.
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Dubbo CrossFit owner Duncan Stephens said he was really happy with the way the Jake Walton Classic had taken off.
“I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to pay tribute to our friend and coach, who was taken from us far too soon,” Mr Stephens said.
“To see so many people travel from near and far, and take part in two days of gruelling competition meant a lot to all of us who held Jake close to our heart.”
Jake Walton was 20-years-old when he died in an accident in February last year, weeks out from his 21st birthday.
I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to pay tribute to our friend and coach who was taken from us far too soon.
- Duncan Stephens
He was very into fitness. He joined CrossFit as well as playing cricket when he was young and then football.
Mr Walton would often get up at 4.45am to go to CrossFit, do his training and then head to work at 7.30am. He would be back at CrossFit again in the afternoon.
The money raised from the event will go to Mr Walton’s favourite charity Clare’s Angels, which raises funds for Orana Early Childhood Intervention and the Westmead Children’s Hospital.
“CrossFit is renowned for having a great community vibe to it and I think this memorial competition really shows that,” Mr Stephens said.
“These events are not only great for the local CrossFit community, but also great for local businesses as many competitors travelled with their families in tow and spent a couple of days in and around Dubbo.
“Even the people who couldn’t travel or didn’t want to take part in the competition, took part by doing the workout either here in Dubbo or at CrossFit boxes around the state as a sign of respect.”
Mr Stephens said the event would not have been possible without the the generosity of the sponsors which allowed for some great prizes to be given out across the two days.
The Jake Walton Classic will be held annually at Dubbo CrossFit.