YMCA hosts "Warrior Winter Brawl"

On February 21, the Sparta-White County YMCA hosted their fourth Sanctioned Special Olympic Powerlifting Meet. Dubbed the “Warrior Winter Brawl,” the Special Warriors’ athletes worked hard to show off their progress and just how far they have come alongside athletes all across the region.

This year’s Warrior Winter Brawl was one of the biggest the YMCA had seen, too. Athletes with special needs and families from out of state swung down, all helping promote the camaraderie through sport that the event represents.

“As I stopped looked around and thought WOW! what a wonderful God we serve,” said Nina Weston, the Y’s Fitness Director, and coach to many of the athletes. “The gym was overflowing with spectators and lifters from Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi. This meet was not only about pulling those heavy lifts, it was about inclusion.  Our special needs lifters, our open lifters competing as one. It felt like a great big family supporting one another.”

One of the Y’s athletes, Calvin, won the gold again, adding onto his mountain of over 300 gold medals. The YMCA was proud of the success and size of the event, and they are already prepared for the next Powerlifting Meet.