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Fresno's First Fit Fest Mixes Sweat, Sportsmanship, and Support for Local Causes
ANTHONY SITE PHOTO
By Anthony W. Haddad
Published 3 months ago on
May 29, 2025
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(GV Wire Video/Anthony W. Haddad, Eric Martinez)

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In a spirited clash that blended community fun with charitable giving, the Fresno Fire Department booted their way to victory over the Fresno Police Department in a friendly soccer match Saturday during the First Annual Fresno Fit Fest at Todd Beamer Park.

Hosted by Councilmember Nick Richardson, the event brought together local gyms, nutritionists, businesses, and even members of the U.S. Armed Forces for a full day of fitness and philanthropy.

The marquee matchup on the field saw firefighters and officers trading kicks, but in the end, it was Fresno Fire emerging victorious.

The firefighters also took home a $1,000 prize directed to their chosen charity, the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.

The nonprofit, which supports burn victims, is currently celebrating the 40th anniversary of its signature program, Champ Camp, a summer camp for young burn survivors.

The Fresno Fire Department was awarded a trophy and a $1,000 donation for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation for beating the Fresno Police Department in a friendly soccer match on Saturday, May 24, 2025. (GV Wire/Anthony W. Haddad)
The Fresno Fire Department was awarded a trophy and a $1,000 donation for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation for beating the Fresno Police Department in a friendly soccer match on Saturday, May 24, 2025. (GV Wire/Anthony W. Haddad)

The Fresno Police Department received $500 for its designated charity, the Fresno Police Activities League.

Fresno PAL‘s mission is to support kids who live in at-risk neighborhoods through positive interactions between them and police officers.

Attendees Joined Into the Fun

Attendees weren’t just spectators. Free fitness classes like Zumba and high-intensity interval training were offered throughout the day, encouraging Fresno residents to jumpstart their wellness journey alongside professionals and military personnel.

About 40 vendors and fitness professionals lined the park, offering everything from wellness tips to workout demos with the goal of helping the community get healthier, stronger, and more informed.

“Responsible government should really be about solving problems,” Richardson said. “Sometimes it looks like a speed bump — stopping speeding problems. Sometimes it looks like working with outreach with non-profits to fix homeless issues, right? Sometimes it’s legislative problems. But everybody has their own issue and sometimes those issues are a lot closer to home than the government’s interested in putting time, effort, or resources into.”

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Anthony W. Haddad,
Multimedia Journalist
Anthony W. Haddad, who graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with his undergraduate degree and attended Fresno State for a MBA, is the Swiss Army knife of GV Wire. He writes stories, manages social media, and represents the organization on the ground.

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