CrossFit for kids: online competition Kidzilla kicks off in Hong Kong

The first of its kind, the programme is also a fundraiser for a local charity and spearheaded by CrossFit Asphodel members and coaches

Children can learn how to interact with their peers and develop social skills, while becoming more confident, determined and committed

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Kidzilla helps get children moving from an early age and provide a base for functional fitness they can use for CrossFit, or other sports. Photo: Handout

Published: 12:00pm, 12 Aug 2020Updated: 12:18pm, 12 Aug 2020

Joy Ip, who helped co-found Kidzilla, Hong Kong’s first ever CrossFit community competition and fundraiserfor children, said the fringe sport’s mainstream appeal lies in its diversity.

“CrossFit specialises in not specialising,” said Ip, who runs CrossFit Asphodel’sprogramme in Kennedy Town. “It involves movements such as squatting, pressing, pulling, pushing, jumping, throwing, gymnastics and Olympic weightlifting. It is everything.”

Ip, along with Michelle O’Brien, Cris O’Brien, Vanessa O’Brien and Diane Younes, are about to launch Kidzilla, which will run from August 17-30. The online competition is for children aged 13 and under, and will feature workouts and bonus challenges that can be done at home with parents.

CrossFit is well known for its CrossFit Open, a five-week online competition where competitors complete challenges, and in turn can qualify for the annual CrossFit Games.

Kidzilla will feature workouts that only require items that can be found at home, and there will be prizes in a variety of categories, including most money raised, best energy and best heart. The competition will be virtual, given the restrictions in place in Hong Kong due to the coronavirus.

Nutrition will also be incorporated into the fundraiser and competition, as participants will answer bonus questions about subjects like eating healthy and mindfulness.

Michelle O’Brien helps a child on the rings. Photo: Handout

Kidzilla’s proceeds will go towards Love 21, a Hong Kong organisation dedicated to helping those living with Down syndrome and autism through physical activity and nutrition education.