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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