Holmes County Juvenile Court launches free youth fitness program

A new free fitness program sponsored by the Holmes County Juvenile and Probate Court will offer teens a chance to realize their potential and become better versions of themselves.

GRIT Athletics will begin soon, offering Holmes County youth age 11 to seniors in high school a chance to blossom.

Brody Williams, an employee with the Holmes County Juvenile Court, will spearhead this new venture. He said he is eager to provide youth with the opportunity to partake in healthy, motivational activities.

“This has been a growing trend throughout the U.S., with at least 15 counties in Ohio operating fitness programs,” Williams said.

Williams said when Juvenile and Probate Judge Thomas Lee approached him about the opportunity last June, it was something that immediately piqued his interest because he understands the value of a program designed to help young people.

“When young people are involved with physical activity, it provides more social activities, gets them in front of great role models and promotes a healthier lifestyle in many ways,” Lee said. “We are really excited about this program, and Brody will be a great leader in making it something worthwhile because of his passion for it.”

That it will be a free program that offers free transportation for youth who can’t drive makes it even more enticing.

Williams said studies have been done on kids and the benefits of physical fitness, and all studies have shown it promotes healthy lifestyles, lessens obesity and chronic heart failure, promotes mental health, and brings improvement in focus, memory, school studies, behavior and more.

“Being physically fit simply has so many benefits that can enhance a young person’s life,” Williams said.

GRIT will begin in early October and will operate throughout the school year at 9:24 CrossFit in Berlin every Tuesday and Thursday after school from 3-4 p.m. Every session will be coach-led and structured by professionals at the facility and Williams.

In order to join, every youth must be referred by someone, whether that be a parent, grandparent, teacher, church member or any adult. Once a referral is received, Williams will connect with the family to discuss everything the program entails.

“Anyone can make a referral,” Williams said, “schools, family, someone at church. Anyone can make a referral at any time, whether it is now or during the year.”

Williams will meet with each youth and their guardians to complete some simple paperwork and discuss the program. Families also are invited to go to CrossFit to meet with the team there and explore the facility prior to jumping into GRIT.

While GRIT Athletics is sponsored by Holmes County Juvenile Court, the youth fitness program is not just designed for at-risk youth. Williams said this venture is designed to benefit all youth who want to better themselves — physically, emotionally and mentally.

The juvenile court is teaming up with Irene Burgett and Jason Miller, owners of 9:24 CrossFit in Berlin, where all the programs will take place.

Williams was thrilled to be able to team up with professionals of this caliber for the program, and Burgett said they are equally excited to be part of something that benefits young people.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to team up with Brody and create this free opportunity for the youth,” Burgett said. “What’s great is that it isn’t just about the physical aspect, but it’s about all of the mental health part of it too.”

She said if kids can develop healthy habits now, they have a better chance of sticking with it throughout life. She said kids can hop into the program at any time because the classes are designed for each individual and where they are physically.

“There will be structure to every class, led by myself or our instructors,” Burgett said.

Williams said having professionals guiding kids safely through every session makes it more inviting to youth of all levels of fitness, and Burgett said the classes will include specialized training suited to every youth’s fitness level, from absolute beginners to experienced athletes.

The program also creates opportunities for young people to bond together in a common area, build friendships and develop social skills.

Williams said issues like lessening anxiety and depression and building resilience while becoming more physically fit make it a win-win for everyone.

He said they plan on offering a variety of rewards and monthly recognitions to youth throughout the program, and funds are available to help youth who may not be able to afford workout clothing and shoes.

“It’s all coming together. Now it’s simply a matter of creating awareness about the importance of this program,” Williams said.

9:24 CrossFit is located at 5252 state Route 39 on the west edge of Berlin in the lower level of the building.

The program is open to any age-appropriate youth in Holmes County. Anyone wanting to provide a referral may do so by calling Williams at 330-674-5841, option 3, or via email at bwilliams@co.holmes.oh.us.

Those with questions about what types of exercises are offered may call Burgett at 330-473-8094.