CORNWALL, Ontario – Less than a month into the new year, the CrossFit room at Summit Health and Fitness was filled with more fervour than usual on a Saturday morning.
Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that Long Sault’s beloved Sens alumni, Jesse Winchester was leading a workout with personal trainer, Jason Dennis. The event is an extension of Winchester’s partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and is part of the Hockey Fights Cancer campaign.
“The whole purpose of the event is to promote physical activity as a preventative measure for cancer,” said Allison St. Jean, Community Fundraising Specialist for CCS. “We’re trying to provide people with the tools to live a healthier life.”
The workout was split into two 45-minute groups, and had everyone – Winchester included, sweating it out for the cause.
“I’ve skated and kept active, but I haven’t been to the gym in a while,” said Winchester. “To feel that kind of pain is definitely welcomed for me. Just being in a group feels like you’re on a team again – it’s really great.”
With a successful first event in the bag, Winchester feels confident that the interest exists within the community to host similar events in the future.
“I think it was pretty well-received. Everybody had fun and learned a little bit,” said Winchester. “I think if we decide to do this again, we’ll definitely have some who return.”
