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Two things American Ninja Warrior athletes are known for: Having a huge amount of talent, and a huge amount of heart.
That heart is on full display this holiday season as Ninjas put their skills to use to help bring cheer to those that need it the most.
The latest example of this is the huge list of fantastic Ninja Warriors taking part in the Ninja Pro Camps at two Ultimate Ninja locations in Illinois. The events are a donation drive for Toys for Tots. Each child that brings in an unopened toy will receive an Ultimate Ninja water bottle to help them stay hydrated while they train with elite athletes.
“Everyday at Ultimate Ninjas, we teach kids how to overcome all kinds of obstacles physically and mentally. Similarly, the primary goal of the Toys for Tots program is to deliver, through a new toy, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them into becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens. Toys for Tots seemed like the perfect partner, together, we can spread hope and overcome obstacles,” shared Ethan Swanson, one of the event’s organizers.
“We hosted the toy drive last year during our first Ninja Pro Camp and were able to donate hundreds of toys to kids in need. This year we hope to spread even more joy with three locations accepting donations!”
Jesse Labreck is the General Manager of the Naperville location. Michael Silenzi manages the Libertyville location, and Ethan Swanson is the Course Operations Manager in Chicago. All three are American Ninja Warrior National Finalists in previous seasons.
They’ve pulled together an incredible list of guest trainers who will work with little Ninjas in two hour training sessions. Then, they’ll get to watch the pros show off on the course.
The events will be on December 16 at the Naperville location, and December 17 at the Libertyville location. Over 450 kids participated in the first Pro Camp last year.
Just how good is their list of trainers? Look at this thing!
- Brian Arnold
- Najee Richardson “The Phoenix”
- Allyssa Beird
- Grant McCartney the “Island Ninja”
- Jamie Rahn “Captain NBC”
- Adam Rayl
- Jake Murray
- Jesse “Flex” Labreck
- Karsten Williams
- Tyler Yamauchi
- Kirsti Pratt “The Machine”
- Jon “The Giant” Alexis
- Michael Torres
- Dan Polizzi, half of the “Towers of Power”
- Brandon Mears, half of the “Towers of Power”
- Tori Clement
- Chris DiGangi
- Brian Redard (Ultimate Beastmaster)
- Karen Sabo
- Mike Silenzi “The Stallion”
- Ethan Swanson “The Daredevil”
For more information on registering for the events, visit the Ultimate Ninja website here. If you can’t make it to the event, but are inspired to donate to Toys for Tots, you can find a donation drive closer to you, here.