(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 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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