CrossFit has partnered with ValorFit, a prominent nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military veterans through fitness, community, and structured connection. This exciting new initiative delivers a measurable, life-changing impact directly to transitioning service members by bridging the gap between post-service isolation and supportive local fitness environments. To jumpstart this vital mission, CrossFit has pledged a $50,000 corporate donation to directly fund affiliate memberships for veterans who might otherwise lack the resources to access these life-altering communities.
The partnership centers on a shared objective: removing barriers to entry and connecting veterans with local affiliate owners, coaches, and members who can provide a profound sense of purpose, accountability, and belonging. Beyond direct financial support, the organizations will launch a massive donation drive and community activation at the upcoming CrossFit Games, featuring a dedicated fundraising Workout of the Day (WOD) for spectators, exclusive co-branded merchandise with all proceeds directly benefiting ValorFit, interactive partner booths to connect attendees with the cause, and more. Alongside these events, a coordinated storytelling campaign will highlight veterans whose lives have been transformed through functional fitness.
Central to the initiative is ValorFit’s rigorous, two-sided matching process. Rather than simply subsidizing memberships, ValorFit places approved veterans into local CrossFit affiliates where they are supported and surrounded by a community invested in their success. To protect that experience, the organization vets both sides of every match — veterans are carefully evaluated in coordination with their local VA, and partner affiliates are screened to ensure their owners and staff can provide a safe, welcoming environment. This deliberate approach is designed to create lasting, sustainable fits for both the veteran and the affiliate, forming the foundation for real, long-term impact.
“CrossFit affiliates have long served as vital communities where members find deep connection, a welcoming community, authentic support, and renewed purpose,” said Heather Lawrence, Sr. Director of Sport Operations for CrossFit. “This partnership allows us to support ValorFit in their mission of growing their impact for the veteran community. We are incredibly proud to support ValorFit and put the power of the CrossFit community to work for those who have served our country.”
Research consistently demonstrates that post-service isolation poses a significant challenge for military veterans. According to data supported by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD, over half of U.S. veterans (56.9%) experience feelings of loneliness either some of the time or often, which has been directly linked to elevated risks in mental health challenges and long-term functional difficulties. By combining ValorFit’s specialized outreach with CrossFit’s robust, grassroots community framework, the partnership seeks to create an immediate, localized support system for former service members across the United States.
“CrossFit saved my life. As a veteran, an affiliate gave me back the camaraderie and purpose I lost when I came home, and I believe every veteran deserves access to a dedicated community that actively champions both their physical and mental well-being. CrossFit affiliates provide an optimal environment where veterans can rebuild camaraderie, develop confidence, and pursue high-stakes goals alongside like-minded individuals. That is why I built ValorFit, and my life’s mission is to make sure no veteran ever feels alone as they find their way back to health and routine after service. This deeper partnership with CrossFit allows us to bring much-needed resources to veterans in need on a larger scale than we ever imagined, elevating both the CrossFit and veteran communities as we grow. Together with CrossFit, we are expanding access to spaces that facilitate genuine personal transformation,” said Troy Peterson, Founder of Valor Fit and U.S. Army veteran.
Moving forward, CrossFit and ValorFit will collaborate on events, Affiliate Toolkit, and ongoing advocacy programs designed to strengthen the bond between local boxes and the military communities they serve. With a strong, foundational network deeply rooted in the veteran and military communities, and over 10,000 affiliates across the globe, CrossFit stands as the uniquely positioned partner capable of scaling this vital support framework worldwide.
About ValorFit
ValorFit is a dedicated nonprofit organization committed to combating post-isolation challenges among military veterans by empowering them through community and fitness. By providing specialized outreach, structured mentorship, and access to localized support networks, ValorFit helps former service members rebuild camaraderie, develop confidence, and pursue high-stakes physical and mental well-being goals alongside like-minded individuals. In partnership with grassroots community frameworks like CrossFit, ValorFit expands access to elite fitness spaces that facilitate genuine personal transformation and help veterans successfully navigate their transition to civilian life.