Charity Gala for Champions with Special Needs - 2025
Our Charity Gala for Champions with Special Needs was truly an unforgettable evening of community, celebration, and inspiration. This glamorous night was dedicated to honoring our incredible athletes and volunteer coaches, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and training throughout the year.
We were proud to celebrate not only the achievements of our athletes, but also the generosity of our sponsors, community donors, and supporters who make our mission possible. Through their contributions, we are able to continue using the sport of boxing and physical exercise to uplift the physical, psychological, and emotional well-being of individuals with special needs.
This event would not have been possible without our dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to organize and present a meaningful and memorable night. We are deeply grateful to every attendee who joined us in celebration, as well as to those who supported us with donations from afar.
Thanks to your generosity, the Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization continues to provide support and opportunities for our boxing community to grow, thrive, and shine like the Champions they are.
Photographers: Miemen Abebe & Jeff Lockhart
Michael Nicholson - Ontario's First Competitive Boxer with Down Syndrome
Representing - Fierce N Fit Boxing
Punch Out MS
May 4th at the London Music Hall In support of Multiple Sclerosis
We are incredibly proud of our Fierce N Fit Boxer and Champion, Michael Nicholson! He stepped in the ring at this year’s Punchout MS. His fight was one of the best of the night with heart and true love for the sport of boxing. His performance lit up the ring. His entire team and everyone in attendance couldn’t have been prouder.
Much respect to his opponent, Coach Faisal Rehman, who bravely stepped into the ring to face our champion. It was a bout filled with mutual respect and sportsmanship.A huge thank you to Michael’s training and sparring partners, coaches and supporters who stood by him and helped him prepare for this big moment. We are grateful for the incredible team and community that surrounds us.
With your support, anything is possible for everyone.
Our 2024 Charity Concert for Champions with Special Needs was an unforgettable night filled with music, dancing, and community spirit. With an incredible performance by the Turning Corners Band, we were honored to have Mike Schlater, CEO and president of Domino's Pizza, join us as we celebrated with our amazing members, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. Special thanks to our talented photographer and board member, Miemen Abebe, for capturing the magic of the event. Check out the gallery link to relive the highlights of an evening filled with joy, connection, and of course, delicious Domino's Pizza!
Fierce N Fit - Social Activities
At Fierce N Fit, we believe in building a strong, inclusive community beyond the boxing ring. In addition to training, we offer a variety of social activities that bring our athletes, coaches, and supporters together. From karaoke nights and dance parties to interactive games like Kahoot, movie nights, museum visits, outdoor picnics, and creative craft sessions, these experiences foster friendships, boost confidence, and create lasting memories. By combining fitness with fun, we empower individuals with special needs to connect, grow, and celebrate their achievements in a supportive and uplifting environment.
Celebrating Mackenzie’s Incredible Journey
Our Fierce N Fit Boxing team is inspired by Mackenzie’s incredible resilience, recently featured in the Toronto Star.
After high school, Mackenzie, who has Down syndrome, faced regression but remained committed to boxing, showing determination. With his family's support and a trial treatment in L.A., he made a remarkable comeback. Today, he thrives in every way—physically, mentally, and spiritually.
His journey is a testament to perseverance and a beacon of hope for others. We’re so proud to have him in our boxing family.
Thank you to everyone who supports our team—stories like Mackenzie’s remind us why we do what we do.
Canada's First Competitive Para-Boxer
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Charles Wilton: A Trailblazer in Canadian Para-Boxing
On December 5, 2024, Charles Wilton made history as Canada’s first competitive para boxer to represent our nation on the international stage. Competing in Kraków, Poland, www.dragonparaboxing.pl/, he showcased incredible resilience, determination, and skill not just for himself, but as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the special-needs community. Diagnosed with quadriplegic spastic cerebral palsy and raised in the foster care system, Charles has faced challenges that many cannot imagine. Despite physical, cognitive, and financial barriers, he worked tirelessly for nine years to pursue his dream of stepping into the ring on a global stage. With every punch and every step, Charles proved that no obstacle is too great when met with dedication and the right support. His journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when individuals with special needs are given the opportunity to thrive. At Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization, we are honoured to provide a sense of belonging, purpose, and personal growth through boxing improving physical health, cognitive abilities, and emotional well-being for our athletes. Charles’s success would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community. Your encouragement, belief, and commitment to our mission have transformed lives, opening doors for individuals like Charles to rise above challenges and achieve the extraordinary. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of this journey. Together, we are empowering a future where every individual, regardless of their circumstances, can dream big and inspire the world.
Fierce N Fit Boxing Debut
at 2024
Showdown in the Downtown
Knockout Kidney Disease Charity Fundraiser
Founded by Dr. Faisal Rehman
Our incredible Special Needs Athletes stepped into the ring to showcase their hard-earned Boxing skills, capturing the spirit of true Champions inside and outside the ring. With power, precision, and heart, they demonstrated to the community what it means to be "Fierce N Fit." We are grateful to be one of the many charities supported by the Showdown in the Downtown, whose generous contributions help us continue our mission of empowerment and inclusion for individuals with special needs.
Boxing with Firefighters
Three Lions Promotions
Professional Boxing
Shana Otter and the Three Lions Promotions team selected Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization as the beneficiary of their recent 50/50 draw. This collaboration brought our community together to raise awareness about individuals living with special needs and disabilities. This support amplifies our mission to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for those we serve. Their recognition and partnership makes a positive difference in the lives of individuals with special needs.
Dr. Faisal Rehman's Annual Charity Event Showdown in the Downtown Makes a Knockout Impact
Dr. Faisal Rehman's Showdown in the Downtown, held on Dec. 15, 23, in collaboration with the London Health Science Centre, not only aimed to combat kidney disease but also highlighted the importance of boxing and physical exercise for individuals living with special needs and disabilities. Spearheaded by Dr. Rehman, this annual charity event has become a symbol of hope for those facing health challenges. By extending its impact to support the Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization, the event emphasized the transformative power of inclusive physical activities. Fierce N Fit is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs through boxing and exercise. Our programs focus on improving physical, psychological, and emotional well-being, fostering an inclusive and supportive community. Fierce N Fit serves a diverse range of participants, including those with visual and hearing impairments, wheelchair users, residents of group homes, and individuals with autism and Down Syndrome. Our organization's specialized support ensures that everyone can benefit from their inclusive activities and social initiatives.
100 Men Who Give a Damn
Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization is deeply honoured to have been chosen by the 100 Men Who Give a Damn. This recognition shines a spotlight on our mission to raise awareness about the lives of individuals living with special needs and disabilities within our community. It's an opportunity to amplify our efforts in advocating for inclusivity and understanding. We're immensely grateful for the chance to further our cause and foster a more compassionate and inclusive society.
2023
Thanks to Lidija and Russ at Tim Hortons in Ayr, the 2023 Holiday Smile Cookie campaign was a hit for Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization! Their generous support allowed our Boxers to participate in decorating the Holiday Smile Cookies, bringing them joy and a sense of purpose. This event exemplifies our shared commitment to promoting inclusion for individuals with special needs. We're immensely grateful to Tim Hortons, their patrons, and everyone involved for making this campaign a success. Together, we're creating a more inclusive and compassionate world for everyone.
Branford Twin Valley Zoo – a family-run business.
The story of Twin Valley Zoo: In 1960, the family moved from Holland with nothing. The mother was a Milkmaid, and their father was a Carpenter. Their passion lay in animals, so in 1989, the couple opened an educational petting zoo. Today, they run a thriving local zoo with 70+ species.
The Fierce N Fit Team really enjoyed our visit to the zoo!" We learned a lot and had an amazing day with the animals!
Boxing Halloween Party
Our Halloween Dance Party, was amazing! Huge kudos to our incredible volunteers who put together a spine-tingling lineup of games. We grooved to the rhythm and danced the night away, turning our fitness space into a spooky and lively dance floor.
Everyone left the party with bags full of delectable candy and treats, making it a night to remember. Creating lasting memories and strengthening our community spirit.
Charity Concert for Champions with Special Needs - 2023
We are thrilled to share the incredible success of our Second Annual Fundraiser, “Charity Concert for Champions with Special Needs,” held on Saturday, September 23, 2023. This event was a heartwarming and impactful evening, showcasing the strength of community and inclusivity. The event served as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs of individuals living with special needs and disabilities. The support and participation of our community members made this event truly special, highlighting the importance of unity and support for everyone, regardless of ability.
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Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization, receives generous funding from
The Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund
The Development of a Volunteer Management Program
Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization is thrilled to announce that we have been awarded the Community Services Recovery Fund Grant from the Canadian Red Cross! This grant represents a significant opportunity for us to further our mission of utilizing the power of boxing and physical exercise to enhance the lives of individuals with special needs. With this funding, we are excited to bolster our efforts in volunteer recruitment activities, which are crucial for expanding our reach and impact in the community. By enhancing our volunteer engagement strategies, we aim to create a more inclusive and supportive environment where individuals of all abilities can thrive. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity provided by this grant and look forward to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Volunteer Engagement and Recognition: Recruit new volunteers, expanding our team and enhancing our capacity to serve individuals with special needs. Community Outreach and Awareness: Community presentations and events to promote awareness of our programs and services and recruit volunteers. On-board high school students for co-op placements within our organization. Recruitment Strategy and Online Platforms Enhancement: Develop a comprehensive recruitment strategy to attract and retain volunteers. Create and optimize online platforms, including our website and social media channels, to increase volunteer engagement and inform the community about our programs and services. Training and Development: Facilitate access to online training courses, including NCCP Certification of Coaching Athletes with a Disability and Coaching Athletes with Down Syndrome, to equip volunteers with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization
Registered Charity # 765566542RR0001
Please help us continue our mission in providing a safe and accessible place for all. Every donation whether big or small makes an impact and helps continue to provide services to our Special Needs Community.
Thank you so much for supporting our Special Needs Boxing program.
A Charitable Tax Receipt will be generated immediately following all online donations.
We are Officially a Registered Charitable Organization!
Karaoke Night
Karaoke Night is an absolute crowd-pleaser that ignites the party! To kick up the excitement, we dressed in our best country-themed outfits and let loose with our singing talents! It's events like these that provide a fantastic platform for honing our social skills and forging genuine friendships. Our community is all about creating a warm and safe haven where everyone can feel right at home while belting out their favorite tunes, creating unforgettable moments, and building lasting bonds.
Showdown in the Downtown 2022
Annual Charity Fundraiser
Showdown in the Downtown Annual Charity event, held on October 22, 2022, was a powerful platform organized and led by Coach/Dr. Faisal Rehman. Beyond his impressive debut in the professional MMA ring, this event served as a beacon for community awareness about individuals living with special needs and disabilities. By stepping into the ring, Dr. Rehman not only demonstrated his commitment to combating medical illness, poverty, homelessness, and mental health struggles but also shed light on the challenges faced by those with special needs. His participation ignited conversations and sparked empathy, furthering our collective understanding and support for inclusivity and acceptance.
By: Richard Bain
The Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization is honoured to be featured in Richard Bain's book “Shared Waters” which is an outstanding collection of pictures outlining the wonderful diversity in the city of London.
- December 2022
Featured in “Shared Waters” Book
Charity Concert For Champions
With Special Needs
June 18, 2022
A big thank you to everyone who supported our Charity Concert for Champions with Special Needs event on June 18, 2022. The turnout was incredible, and it was heartwarming to witness the community coming together to support our cause. The event garnered significant attention, being featured on CTV News live at 6pm, spreading awareness about the challenges faced by individuals living with special needs and disabilities. Events like this are made possible by the dedication of our outstanding team, volunteers, partners, and donors. Their support, along with the success of our raffle and donations, contributes immensely to our mission. The smiles on everyone's faces radiated positive energy throughout our community. Our team logo, FNF (Fierce N Fit) with the rainbow handprint, created by my nephew Raydell Rogers, perfectly encapsulates our ethos. The handprint symbolizes uniqueness, while the rainbow represents inclusivity. At Fierce N Fit Boxing, we celebrate diversity, ensuring there's a place for everyone to belong and thrive.
Charity Concert for Champions with Special Needs - 2022 @fiercenfitboxing
CTV News Kitchener - 2021
Fierce N Fit Special Needs Charitable Organization uses the sport of boxing to improve the well-being of young adults living with a variety of special needs.
Mark Erwin and Cambridge Hyundai presented the Special Needs athletes with customized boxing gloves, hats and track suits and also presented a cash check to our program. CTV Kitchener covered this event.
We are most grateful for their ongoing support of our cause.
CTV News London - 2021
Showdown in the Downtown - London, ON hosts an Annual Charity Fundraiser in support of 9 different causes benefitting medical research, homelessness, poverty and vulnerable populations. Fierce N Fit Boxing is honoured to partner with PHSS Medical & Complex Care and to be a beneficiary of this annual charity fundraiser event for the second year in a row. This event provides our program with funding that helps us purchase equipment and develop programs for our special needs athletes. Our athletes also directly engage in fundraising efforts for this event to raise money for our program.
Movie Social Night
We gather once a month on ZOOM to watch movies, play games and socialize. Grab your favourite snack and find a comfy spot to join us for our monthly zoom social night.
