On Saturday, September 17, YMCA
Northumberland in Ontario celebrated 140 years of the YMCA in
Cobourg and 30 years of the Cobourg YMCA facility with a street
party celebration and fire truck pull. As part of the day of
celebrations Reverend Kevin Fast chose to set his newest Guinness World Record by "back-lifting" at
least 10 people (each weighing at least 132 lbs/60kg)!
When Kevin and his wife and family moved to Cobourg in 1993 the
first thing they did was join the Cobourg YMCA. Kevin knew that at
the YMCA they could not only keep fit and active as a family, but
also meet people and find a fit for themselves in the community.
They say they felt welcome and part of a big supportive
family. It was also at the YMCA that Kevin first heard people
talking about competing in the heavy events at the local highland
games and he thought, "I'm strong, I'll give that a try". Try he
did, realizing success… and the rest is history.
Since that time Kevin has taken his natural strength, his
ability to focus and his commitment to training at the YMCA to
become a strongman with a worldwide reputation. He has now taken
his 19 year old son Jacob under his wing to train as well, and
together they have travelled near and far for Kevin to pull and
lift everything from military airplanes and elephants to trains and
fire trucks.
Kevin knows that the YMCA Strong Ki
ds Campaign ensures access to
health, fitness and recreation programs to everyone in the
community regardless of economic circumstances. Kevin asked if his
new Guinness World Record attempt could be dedicated to YMCA Strong
Kids to help YMCA Northumberland with awareness and to raise
funds.
On the day of his latest challenge, the Guinness World Record
officials and YMCA staff weighed in all the willing candidates and
selected the team for Kevin to lift. Once again, Kevin did not
disappoint and all his training and mental preparation paid off
with a successful lift, with one more for the record book and a
great day for YMCA Strong Kids.
THANK YOU KEVIN!