It isn’t always the case that a CrossFit competition is held solely for philanthropic reasons, but that has always been the mission of the Dewey Beach Championship.
- The competition, taking place on June 14, is approaching its 10-year mark. Since the beginning, it has focused on supporting charitable causes, competition coordinator Shane Seery said in an interview with Morning Chalk Up.
The self-proclaimed “fitness competition for good” has never raised less than $35,000 in any given year, and this year they are well exceeding that number, reaching over $75,000, which will benefit Nemours Children’s Health, a not-for-profit children’s hospital in Wilmington, DE.
In previous years, the competition hosted by CrossFit Wheelhouse chose different charities and requested donations after teams registered. However, for 2025, Seery and the Dewey Beach Championship (DBC) committee decided that athletes would fundraise first.
- “We wouldn’t do it if it weren’t for charity. So this year we just doubled down on fundraising efforts and asked people to raise a few $100 to register and it worked,” Seery said.
The competition has always been held in the Dewey Beach area, but its exact location has changed over the years. Currently, it takes place in the parking lot of the Rusty Rudder, a popular bar with views of Rehoboth Bay.
The divisions for the competition are straightforward: same-sex pairs, either Rx or scaled. The whole idea behind the competition, according to Seery, is for it to be a fun event that athletes can attend for a day and enjoy the beach afterward.
- “We really love the aspect of people treating it like it’s a vacation and we love being able to set this rig up Friday night, do the thing Saturday morning and into the afternoon, and then break the rig down as fast as we can because we just want to celebrate with everyone,” says Seery.
So far, the DBC has 80 teams signed up for the competition, a couple fewer than in previous years. Yet, they have raised the most money compared to previous years.
- “I think that there’s always a way to incorporate a fundraising aspect to almost anything running in parallel with an event,” Seery added.
For several years, Lifting Culture Apparel has designed competition shirts, and this year, the brand collaborated with a patient from Nemours to help create this year’s apparel. Her name is Maddy, and she is currently battling AML leukemia at Nemours.
- The shirts will be given to athletes and will also be available for purchase. Proceeds from the shirt sales will be donated to Nemours Children’s Health to benefit pediatric cancer care.
Those interested in donating can do so by clicking here. Spectators are also welcome to attend the competition on Saturday, June 14.
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Featured Image: Dewey Beach Championship
