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Fitness competition for vets on Clearwater Beach

Posted at 12:05 AM, Nov 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-14 02:17:02-05

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.