February 9, 2025
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Members of Team France at the Adapted Fitness Competition

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By Simon Manda

PRETORIA, South Africa – WHASCP Fitness, a leading adaptive fitness facility in South Africa, successfully hosted its fourth Adapted Fitness competition for persons with disabilities on December 7, 2024. The event, themed “Unbroken,” brought together athletes from across South Africa and France, showcasing the incredible strength and determination of adaptive athletes.

Adaptive CrossFit has emerged as a transformative force in the fitness industry, making high-intensity functional training accessible to people with various physical disabilities. This specialised form of CrossFit modifies traditional workouts to accommodate different ability levels while maintaining the core principles of varied, functional movements performed at high intensity. The sport has gained significant momentum globally, creating inclusive fitness communities and proving that physical limitations need not be barriers to athletic achievement.

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The competition, held at RTF Greenlyn CrossFit in Pretoria, featured five challenging workouts that tested athletes’ cardio endurance, agility, strength, and gymnastic abilities. Athletes competed in four categories: Female Seated, Male Seated with Hip Function/Standing, Male Seated without Hip Function, and Quads. The event began with two outdoor workouts before moving indoors for the remaining three challenges.

The 1st leg of the competition was held at an outside venue opposite the gym.

South African athletes dominated the competition, securing 9 out of 12 available prizes, while the French delegation demonstrated impressive performances, claiming the remaining three awards. The international participation marked a significant milestone for adaptive fitness in South Africa, setting the stage for future cross-continental competitions.

WHASCP Fitness, under the leadership of Vic Buitendag, a Level 2 CrossFit coach and certified adaptive trainer, has established itself as a pioneer in adaptive fitness in South Africa. With locations in both Pretoria (RTF Greenlyn CrossFit) and Johannesburg (Wanderers Stadium), WHASCP Fitness is making adaptive CrossFit more accessible to a broader community of athletes with disabilities.

Vic Buitendag (forefront) briefing the participants on the 2nd leg of the competition

“The ‘Unbroken’ theme perfectly embodies the spirit of our athletes,” says Buitendag. “Their unwavering determination and resilience throughout the competition truly exemplified what adaptive fitness is all about.”

Building on this success, WHASCP Fitness has announced plans for their next competition, scheduled for May-June 2025. The upcoming event will feature a team format, further promoting collaboration and community within the adaptive fitness movement.

Valencia Mongake going through her paces

For more information about adaptive CrossFit and future competitions, contact WHASCP Fitness or visit their facilities in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

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