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Celebration of Life, Fundraiser Planned for First Anniversary of Jacob Morris’ Passing

December 10, 2020 by
Image - Jacob Morris Foundation
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Sunday marks the one year anniversary of the passing of Jacob Morris, who competed at the 2019 CrossFit Games in the 16-17 teen division. In his honor, the Jacob Morris Foundation is hosting a memorial workout on December 12 to help raise funds to benefit their mission of supporting the health and well-being of students and families.

Remind me: Morris passed away on December 13, 2019 after complications following open heart surgery. 

  • The 17-year-old was diagnosed with a bicuspid aortic valve and an enlarged heart prior to competing at the 2019 Games.
  • After numerous consultations with doctors they determined that he could compete at the Games without risk to his health.
  • In his first Games appearance, Morris finished seventh, recording two top-five event placements.
  • Shortly after his passing, the “Morris” memorial WOD was created to remember him.
  • The workout was the last WOD he did before he passed away and consists of 50 wall balls, 40 calories on the ski erg, 30 single-arm alternating dumbbell snatches, 20 box jump overs and 15 bar muscle ups all for time.
  • The workout has since found itself programmed into numerous competitions to honor Morris.
  • Wodapalooza included it in their individual competition this year and the Pit Fitness Ranch Teen Elite Throwdown also programmed it and many of the athletes who knew Morris honored him before and during the event. 
  • Reebok created and donated special commemorative t-shirts for the athletes competing at the Pit Fitness Ranch Teen Elite Throwdown.
Image – Athlete’s Eye

The details: The Jacob Morris Foundation was established by his family to provide need-based grants in support of the health and well-being of students and families that exemplify a strong sense of friendship, commitment, and service to the community.

  • OPEX South Lake will be hosting the workout, but those who cannot attend the workout there or at the other participating locations can compete virtually.
  • The foundation also partnered with other gyms throughout the country to host the workout including CrossFit Waterside, CrossFit CoLex, CrossFit KENAZ, Armor CrossFit, CrossFit Mindfire, Skyline CrossFit, CrossFit Florian, CrossFit Bolt and CrossFit PRxStrong.
  • Registration is $20 and all proceeds will go to the foundation.
  • At the beginning of December, the foundation announced Kaiden Coello as their first grant recipient. A $1,000 grant was awarded in partnership with The Pit Fitness Ranch in Three Rivers, MI as part of the Elite Teen Throwdown event held in September. The grant was then used to pay for Coello’s one-year membership to OPEX South Lake.
  • Those who are unable to participate in the workout and want to donate or become a partner can do so at the Jacob Morris Foundation.

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