As temperatures cool and the leaves begin to turn, a certain set of Dallasites begin to crank up the heat on their athletic training…all in an effort to raise fitness levels while raising money for important causes.
The All Cities Open, (ACO) a decathalon-like competition led by area Crossfit training facilities and several local gyms, is more than a chance to show off muscles and brag about sprint times. This annual event, now in its fourth year, puts thousands of dollars in the coffers of the West Dallas Community School helping kids who need everything from school supplies to tuition assistance. Crossfit Dallas Central co-owners Sam and Spence Nix and Dean Xu are regular supporters of this school and its ministry, and they’re using their successful business to generate awareness and money for those in need.
“We’ve found that the fitness community is a very supportive and giving group,” says Sam Nix. “If you think about it, we’re all in this to make life better for ourselves and our families. It’s a natural transition that the fitness community would also want to make life better for those who are less fortunate.”
The ACO, which serves as a qualifier to the Crossfit Games in Carson, California, features timed events that have competitors doing everything from Trinity River trail runs to flipping truck tires. Winners receive cash prizes and move on to the regional events in San Antonio. ACO donates a portion of entry fees (about 500 area men and women participate annually) and winners often turn around and donate their cash prizes back to the Community School.
“These are competitive training events, so the people who participate are really interested in doing their best against other athletes, not necessarily for prize money,” says Nix, an SMU grad who, along with his partners, recently opened a second Crossfit gym on Travis and the Katy Trail. At last year’s Crossfit Games, Nix’s gym came in seventh place out of 4,200 affiliates worldwide.
This year’s ACO event will be held on December 8. Along with West Dallas Community School, Crossfit Dallas Central will also be supporting Hope for the Silent Voices, non-profit group striving to improve opportunities and living conditions for the disadvantaged around the world.