“Every day is a choice.”
-Kevin Ogar AND Amy Van Dyken
If you are on the right path, the right people show up or circle right back into your life… thus I am PUMPED to sit down with Kevin Ogar and Amy Van Dyken to discuss all things tragedy, triumph, attitude, outlook, faith, family, resilience, and repetition… oh and, yeah, and we talk a little smack to one another as well, Turmeric & Tequila baby:)
Kevin and Amy are two of the greatest athletes of our time, not because of their medals, games appearances, winnings, or athletic accolades, but because of their recognized higher purpose – to live in continued service. They both have incredible charities, The Reveille Project and The Amy Van Dyken Foundation (Amy’s Army). Both charities are giving back by questioning a better way, building and supporting communities they saw needed it most. All bios below, check them out and dig in- it will inspire you to do more (no pressure:).
I joined forces with Kevin, Amy, and both of their charities to support Red Bull’s nonprofit, Wings For Life, funding research for spinal cord injuries. The annual Wings For Life World Run has come to DENVER and we are excited to put it on the map out here. The in-person event is of course canceled, but you can login digitally on the app May 3rd and run with everyone else in the world at the same time- it’s pretty cool. Every dollar that comes in, goes to the cause… every dollar. All details below as well. Register and join us May 3rd, run for someone who can’t and join a community that is making a difference (while at home!!).
Highlights
Purpose, service, attitude, questioning a better way. Charity and giving back. Overcoming and looking forward. Mind over matter, faith, family, and community. Animals > Humans. Personal grooming and/or lack thereof.
Kevin Ogar
Kevin is the Owner and Head Coach of CrossFit WatchTower. He is a Level 3 Certified CrossFit Trainer, has been coaching since early 2008, and is a member of the CrossFit Level 1 Seminar Staff. He is a 4-time Regional Competitor finishing as high as 6th in 2012. When he’s not at his gym, Kevin spends time with his dogs Boondock and Diamond.
The Reveille Project [TRP] is designed for veterans, by veterans. We believe in a holistic lifestyle to help restore veterans lives post active duty. [TRP] provides access to tools that aid in veteran’s ability to integrate socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually back into civilian life. Creating a foundation through fitness, nutrition, community and spiritual faith, [TRP] encourages a healthy prospective for a purpose driven life.
Amy Van Dyken
Amy Van Dyken-Rouen is a 6-time Olympic champion. She won 4 medals in 1996 in Atlanta and two more in Sydney, Australia in 2000. Van Dyken-Rouen has the distinction of being one of the few Olympians whose medals are all gold. In 2007 she was the only American swimmer to be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame’s Class of 2007. She was also inducted to the Olympic Hall of Fame in July 2008. Amy is a public speaker and CrossFit enthusiasts!
Amy’s Army is a network of people including donors, employees, and friends of The Amy Van Dyken Foundation. Together, we are a powerful ally to those with spinal cord injuries
Mission statement: We strive to improve the lives of people with spinal cord injuries.
Wings For Life World Race
The Wings for Life World Run is a global race where people from all over the planet begin running at the same time, on the same day. Where they stop is up to them. This year we are bringing this race to Denver and with nothing more than your smart phone and a desire to move you can help Wings for Life find a cure for spinal cord paralysis. On May 3rd we will gather digitally (via the WLF App) and the race will start at 5am MST, eventually a virtual “Catcher Car” will leave the start line from where you started! When the Catcher Car passes you, your race is over, and the distance you achieved appears on the Global Results List. Everything you’re doing is for a good cause because 100% of your entry fees and donations goes directly to research toward a cure for spinal cord injury.
Who: Anyone!
What: Race benefitting Wings For Life
Cost: $23/per racer ($23 goes to charity)
Where: Digitally (Register in WLF App- Run outside, on treadmill, wherever!)
When: 5.3.2020, 5am
Why: It is our mission to bring the Colorado fitness community together on behalf of a great cause!