The nonprofit Hope For The Warriors is holding its free annual Memorial Day 30x30 Challenge throughout the month of May.
The challenge first began in April 2020 during the COVID pandemic to help people continue their fitness journey at home since gyms and other facilities were closed.
Jenna McDonald, the Director of Physical Wellness, Sports and Recreation for Hope For The Warriors said the nonprofit was receiving an influx of emails saying, “I don’t know what to do now- everything is closed. This is a part of my well-being and health so how do I keep it going?”
“We saw a crucial need to help people continue along with their fitness journey,” McDonald said. “We asked ourselves, ‘How can we take away these fitness barriers from the pandemic and instead put it into their home so they can progress with their health and fitness goals?’”
The challenge focuses on incorporating any type of physical activity for 30 days for a minimum of 30 minutes and logging one’s activity on the Hope For Warriors website.
Activities such as walking, hiking, biking, swimming, lifting or HIIT workouts are all suggestions of ways to be involved with the challenge.
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McDonald said the nonprofit changed the challenge from being in April to May to focus on Memorial Day. During the month-long challenge, Hope For The Warriors will share names and stories of the fallen to motivate, honor and remember those who served.
“I love this challenge,” McDonald said. “I love the fact that the last two years, since the pandemic, not only has the challenge found its niche but also the fact that we are empowered through Memorial Day of those who paid the ultimate price for our country.”
In April 2020, there were 854 people who participated in the challenge. Of that number, 519 reported military affiliation whether through children, cousins, or spouses. In May 2021, 502 people joined.
“It’s nice to see that there are both people with a military connection and without one coming together to do this challenge,” McDonald said. “It’s a great sense of community even though people aren’t physically together doing their workouts.”
Although the challenge is free of charge, there is the option to “Sponsor a Warrior” for $30, which would allow a service member or military family member to participate and receive a challenge t-shirt.
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For those wanting a t-shirt to commemorate one’s commitment, there is an option to buy a shirt for $30 when registering.
There is also the opportunity to donate directly to Hope For The Warriors, which will go to assist the organization as it supports the overall well-being for veterans, active duty service members, and military families across the nation.
McDonald said she hopes as the challenge continues to take place annually in May, more and more people will be a part of it and remember how great of a cause it’s for.
“Just by telling their stories and legacy, we are making sure we don’t forget the people who gave their life for our country,” she said.
Sign up for the challenge here.