T

he Emerald Coast Honor 
Games, an inaugural 
fi tness and CrossFit style 
competition, was held on 

Saturday, November 11, at Legendary 
Marine, home of the “World’s Largest 
USA Flag,” as well as a vertical fl ag that 
fl ies 40 feet by 70 feet, which can be seen 
across the Choctawhatchee Bay. Situated on the water, 
complete with a beach, Legendary Marine and Destin Middle School 
locations provided a breathtaking view for spectators and competitors 
alike. 

The primary goal of the Emerald Coast Honor Games is to raise funds 

to support defenders of the Front Line. The day comprised of a RUCK 
22 in the morning, fl ag raising ceremony, crossfi t style competition, and 
more.  The Emerald Coast Honor Games provided funds for Okaloosa 
County Sheriff’s Star Charities, Healing Paws for Warriors, the Special 
Forces Association, and the Combat Control Association.

The day began with the “Ruck 22” event at 5:30 a.m. As statistics have 

shown, approximately 22 veterans commit suicide every day. To honor 

those heroes who have taken their lives, 
the community was given an opportunity 
to engage, interact, and join area soldiers 
in an honorary “Ruck March” entailing 
22 full laps around Destin Middle 
School’s track. After the “Ruck 22” 
march, LuLu’s Destin hosted an “Honor 
Breakfast” open to the community. 

Guest speakers were Congressman Matt Gaetz and 

Representative Mel Ponder. 

A Veteran’s Day Kickoff, including opening ceremony complete with 

the National Anthem, raising of the Colors, invocation, special guest 
speakers, and Special Forces Paratroopers executing jumps to land in the 
middle of the fi eld where the games were being held followed the Honor 
Breakfast to get the games started. The Emerald Coast Honor Games 
competition started at 9:00am and featured four major workout events, 
which were completed in teams of two. Family, friends, and loved ones 
were on hand to support and cheer on their family members to the fi nish. 
“The event was a huge success thanks to the volunteers’ family, friends, 
and well-wishers who came,” aid event organizer Sean Lynch.

Robert Shields, Ken Craig, Jessica Mitrenga & Jessica Kelly

Emerald Coast Chorus

Danise Damato & Elona Johnson

   VIP Destin at Legendary Marine

photos & story by

 Zhalman Harris

January 2018   |   71

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