Dozens of veterans and their family members took to Clearwater Beach on Saturday afternoon for the 11th Warrior Competition. The event was a fitness competition and fundraiser for Companions For Heroes. The group matches veterans with shelter animals.
"We've paired up two-thousand heroes with shelter dogs and cats," said organizer Dave Sharpe.
Sharpe said the animals provide a great function for veterans dealing with PTSD and physical injuries.
"The dog is function for the veteran to get back into society again, to go back to school, to get a job," said said Sharpe.
A.J. Richards formed showcased his fitness competition at the event called Rush Club. He's also a veteran who knows people living with PTSD.
"I believe that is where a lot of the PTSD issues are coming from there is a lack of mission, there is no purpose anymore and fitness inspires them to get up," said Richards.
Sharpe said the money from Saturday's event will help even more veterans get a rehabilitation animal.
