Deputy Superintendent of 费什伯恩 Military School (FMS), 妮可Overton, is set to compete in the Make Every Rep Count (MERC) fundraising event on November 12, 2022. It is a women’s weightlifting competition with the mission to “Unite the Valley fitness community for the cause of supporting four outst和ing local charities: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, 马蒂项目, 男孩 & 女孩俱乐部, & WARM (Waynesboro Area Refuge Ministry).” The event starts at 10 a.m. 和 will be held at Shen和oah Powerhouse. However, due to space limitations, only athletes 和 h和lers may attend in person. Friends 和 family are invited to join the competition via 脸谱网 live-stream http://www.Facebook.com/valleymakeeveryrepcount.
Overton has been training twice a week with her personal trainer, 林赛·威廉姆斯, Co-Owner of Shen和oah Powerhouse Gym, 自2022年3月起. 起初, Overton just wanted to work on her personal fitness, but at the onset of her training, Williams inquired about her personal objectives 和 goals.
Overton said, “I want to lift heavy things. I previously lifted in my garage when we had all the right equipment. But in one of our last moves, I had to unload it all because it was just too much to take with us. I hadn’t lifted in a couple of years.”
That was the beginning of her journey into powerlifting. It wasn’t until midsummer when Williams urged Overton to participate in a competition for charity. Overton 和 her family were very excited 和 supportive of this idea. So, Overton agreed, 和 training became more intense with a greater focus.
威廉姆斯说, “The annual event helps to empower women; breaking down old barriers 和 perceptions of the powerlifting sport. The impressive ladies who participate emerge stronger individuals 和 our community itself is made stronger through their efforts. Nikki began her powerlifting journey in June 和 has found a fun way to relieve stress while enjoying super strength!”
The MERC competition will feature four events for the competition: bench press, 清洁, 蹲, 和硬举. Overton will compete in the deadlift 和 蹲 events. Overton评论, “Right now my personal best weight for both is 165 pounds for 蹲 和 235 pounds for the deadlift. My personal goals are 175 for the 蹲, 和 250 pounds for the deadlift.” This will be Overton’s first experience in a weightlifting competition. The competition fundraises by collecting from sponsors who donate “per pound” lifted. The athletes have raised $61,530 for local charities from the past few years of competition. Overton is personally donating $100. You can support 妮可Overton 和 contribute to these foundations by November 4, 2022 by emailing her at noverton@费什伯恩.org. To donate in honor of FMS, donate directly at www.费什伯恩.org/support/make-a-gift.