***ONE MORE DAY…I am going to leave this post up for one more day before we give accolades to all of our amazing athletes. Our community is what the Open is all about, and I want to be sure everyone has an opportunity to read the comments on this post from our athletes so you know how much your support means to them.***
The Open Brings Out Our Best
Written by C.J. Martin
I didn’t sleep on Friday night. I was too filled with pride and joy.
Over the next several days you are going to hear about some remarkable accomplishments by our athletes. There are a lot of cool things that we can and will celebrate . . . but that is not why I was so happy. My joy stemmed from the community that has consistently and tirelessly supported our athletes and thrown themselves at the opportunities to come together, challenge themselves, and encourage others.
For five weeks, members of the Invictus community filled the gym every Friday night. Whether they participated, judged or cheered themselves hoarse, they helped to create an environment that buzzed with support, inspiration and admiration. I believe this is our greatest accomplishment – creating an environment where everyone can be at their best, and be fully supported in all of their efforts to get there. I believe we have this on most days at Invictus, but the Open provides an opportunity that brings the best out of everyone, and reminds me just how special our community is.
If there was a leaderboard for community participation, I am confident that the Sea of Green would take first place worldwide. You all are amazing, and I couldn’t be more blessed or grateful to have a community/family like this.
The open was an amazing 5 weeks. What made it amazing for me was the energy and support from the InVictus community. I remember looking into the crowd during the box jump work out and smiling because I was inspired by all the love and unyielding support. Thank you to CJ and Invictus community for creating such an incredible environment to train and compete. The memories are priceless.
This was my first open season to do and I couldn’t have asked for a better gym to perform the workouts at. The Sea of Green community truly is amazing. Thank you all so much for coming out and supporting all the athletes.
So grateful to be part of such a fantastic and encouraging community. The positivity and camaraderie found not just at FNL but everyday at the gym makes training something to look forward to. Thanks to everyone that makes up the Sea of Green.
To the Sea of Green, although you are sometimes many miles away you are always an unstoppable force that helps us move what might feel like immoveable objects. Words can’t begin to describe the feeling that one gets when in the presence of such an amazing collection of great people like you all. I am SO looking forward to seeing you in July at the Games!
POS
Such a phenomenal group of people under one roof!!! Simply amazing- the mixture of drive, compassion, support and desire for constant improvement in all areas of life is so contagious and awesome!!! Love it all so much! The ultimate Family. “insert emoticon for group hug”
Thank you so much for everything you guys have given me and continue to give me. I am so blessed to be a part of such an amazing community. What Invictus has, is truly inspirational. Being able to have the opportunity to come in to a place like that every day is unbelievable. Thanks for everything.
you guys are so awesome and inspiring to watch as usual, my friends haven’t seen me in 5 weeks on a Friday night and when they came down to watch 13.4, they understood why!
kent
A huge THANK YOU to the Sea of Green for the incredible support not only during the Open but every day in the gym! This is my first year being a part of the Invictus community and it is awesome. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. You all are AMAZING! See you at Regionals!
Couldn’t have asked for a better first open and Friday Night Lights experience… but the best part is I know I will get to experience the same amount of support and compassion everyday I step into the gym 🙂 CAN’T WAIT to cheer you all on at regionals!!!
Dang it!! you guys are going to make me cry!….seriously though, there is a reason I feel so comfortable bringing my kids down to the gym all the time….there are AMAZING people around all the time! I am humbled and forever grateful for the amount of support all the athletes and myself have received over the last 5 weeks. THANK YOU everyone for all your time, energy and compassion.
What an amazing community we have. Great coaches, supportive environment, and the best people…you cant ask for more!
I miss this community SO much! It is not something that happens on accident and it is not something that is easily replicated. Major, major kudos to CJ and the gang for creating such a supportive, open, friendly, engaging place.
This community is awesome!! The first week of Friday Night Lights was packed with so many people you couldn’t even move around the gym. The energy and the enthusiasm for ALL of the athletes was electric. It’s because of that that I was so bummed when I had to do 13.2 at a different gym in MA because I was out of town. My little brother’s gym was great for 13.2 but that same fire and encouragement wasn’t in the crowd and i missed it. When I got back into town for 13.3 I was sure some of the novelty… Read more »
What an incredible 5 weeks! Our community support is unconditional and truly allows everyone to push past their limits and excel. For all of the words of encouragement, smiles, and unconditional support, THANK YOU!!!
To the Sea of Green… I would just like to say how lucky and thankful I am to be part of such an amazing community!! I don’t think anyone can top the love and support that you guys show not only every friday night, but every day in the gym. Thank you for all that you do it really gives the athletes a reason to keep going! See you all at regionals 🙂
My very first visit to Invictus, two years ago, was during the 11.6 Friday Night Lights. Everyone was standing around, cheering for Josh Bridges and all of the team athletes. I was in total awe and I knew this was the place I wanted to be. Last year, I got to participate myself during the 12.x Friday Night Lights and it was so amazing – I couldn’t imagine it getting any better. But it did – and each year, I see our community growing closer and closer together. I can’t wait to cheer with everyone at Regionals next month!
What an amazing 5 weeks that was! I don’t know what was more gratifying, cheering, judging, or competing. One thing is for certain, I have never, ever, felt the kind of support I did over the past 5 weeks. Incredible! I wouldn’t be in this position without your encouragement, coaching and support. It is a privilege to be part of the Invictus community.
I used to compete as a mountain bike racer and spent many, many lonely hours out there on the course with just my own thoughts to keep me occupied. It was often hard to keep motivated and push on through tough moments. Contrast that to the amazing Sea of Green, and you’ll understand why thinking of everyone who came out to support us during FNL brings literal tears of happiness to my eyes. To the Sea of Green: You make this gym a community. A family. You support us whether we come in first or last. You cheer like crazy… Read more »
It’s been an awesome 5 weeks, I would like to thank all you guys for making this possible !! All of the support from the community of Invictus has help so much and has pushed people to do things they didn’t think they could do so thank you for that!!!!
All I can say is WOW and thank you so much for the support.
I heard beforehand about these epic nights but after experiencing them I can honestly say I have never came across such a supportive community. I feel truly honoured to be a part of the Sea of Green and appreciate the support shown at not only Friday Night Lights but everyday I am in the gym. You guys make me a better Coach, Athlete and Person…
AWESOMENESS