We’re out, but still here.

On Saturday, June 6, 2020, we made the following announcement on both our public and private group social media page(s):

“Due to CrossFit Inc CEO’s recent comments and the company’s lack of leadership as a whole during this painful time, Town Athletics will be de-affiliating effective immediately. More to follow.”

This message is the “more to follow.” If you are unfamiliar, the straw that broke the affiliation back can be found here. This was just one of a myriad of missteps over the past week from CrossFit HQ. The shortest version of the story is that Greg Glassman, CrossFit Inc. owner and mouthpiece, trivialized the death of George Floyd in a tasteless and unforgivable COVID19 “joke.” As of today, he doubled down on it, proving it was no mistake. Our decision to de- affiliate was not a difficult one.

CrossFit as a sport and methodology has been a part of my, Michael’s, and Adam’s lives for the better part of a decade. Without hyperbole, it has been life changing for each of us. I  believe I can speak for our coaches in saying the same could be said for them. Yet within :10 minutes of seeing Glassman’s tweet, we made the decision to pull the plug. It is very sad to see something you believe in go so wrong so quickly. But what Glassman did is indefensible and does not align with our mission or values. 

We have been, continue to be, and always will be a place where anyone who wants to improve their health is welcome. This does not come with an asterisk. Race, gender, age, profession... they do not enter into the equation of being a part of our community. All are welcome. We are here to support and celebrate your health, wellness, and fitness—regardless of background. 

Since its inception, our gym has gone by Town Athletics, first and foremost. Our affiliate name was secondary and allowed us access to the Open. But what we understand is that CrossFit is just a name, whereas Town Athletics is a community. The lives we change, the outcomes we produce, the friendships that are forged under our roof don’t change by dropping an affiliation. In fact, they’re likely to get stronger because now the only perception about us is the one we create.  

Welcoming community, professional coaching, thoughtful programming, and a supportive environment will not change. All that changes is what’s listed on our web site. CrossFit = Functional Fitness. That’s it. 

We are always here to talk about this or anything else concerning the gym. Feel free to reach out with questions.