Local business supporting breast cancer organization

Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition (MBCC), the state’s leading breast cancer organization dedicated to prevention, will be hosting several athletic fundraising events in 2019. Proceeds from the events benefit MBCC’s community education programs. MBCC attributes the success of its events to the support received from local organizations and businesses through sponsorships and volunteerism. In 2018 Energy Fitness & Gymnastics of Natick and Newton was a beach sponsor at the Metro-West Against the Tide Event. In 2019 they will be supporting MBCC’s inaugural Run for Prevention event in Hingham in addition to their support of the 27th annual Against the Tide event in Hopkinton.

Matt Johnson opened Energy Fitness & Gymnastics fifteen years ago, and has since continued to operate under the missions established at its founding: to support the local community; to provide aid for the “helpers” and for good causes; to empower young people to be the best they can be, by providing a safe space to grow through challenges and trial; and to create a positive environment that supports employees in not only achieving the goals of the business, but their personal goals as well. Matt has a deep passion for people, and has worked tirelessly to both give back to the community that he grew up in, as well as to help pay it forward. Like many, Matt has a connection to the fight against breast cancer: His mother, Carol, is a breast cancer survivor of twenty years. “To contribute in some meaningful form in support of Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition is a way of paying forward the good fortune and incredible support that my mother had,” says Johnson. “To offer support and aid to individuals and to the community is an amazing opportunity to be involved on a deeper level.” Matt, and Energy Fitness & Gymnastics with him, is proud to be involved in this fight.

Energy Fitness & Gymnastics provides high quality gymnastics training programs for all skill levels (as well as intensive programs and recreational teams), personal training for teens and adults, tumbling for cheer and dance, adaptive programming, birthday parties, and open gym opportunities. While Matt strives to be a leader within the fitness industry, he strongly believes in responsible coaching, and in turn Energy attempts to provide excellent gymnastics instruction without the overwhelming pressure of a more competitive gym, and to instead use gymnastics as a jumping off point to improve personal fitness, self-confidence, independence, and resiliency. Energy also operates a philanthropic branch that donates services to local schools and non-profit organizations, as well as providing use of Energy facilities for fundraising events, the proceeds of which go entirely to the partner organization.

“We are very fortunate to have passionate people, like Matt, who care about our programs and mission,” says MBCC's Executive Director Cheryl Osimo. “Matt’s compassion and generosity helps MBCC to continue to work towards our unique goal of breast cancer prevention.”

The Run for Prevention event will take place on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at Bare Cove Park in Hingham, MA, located along the banks of the Weymouth Back River and features USATF certified 5- or 10-mile runs, 2-mile fitness walk, and 1-mile kids fun run. Registration is $40 for the 10-mile run, $35 for the 5-mile run, $25 for walk participants and $10 for the kids fun run. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each competitive event. For more information about the event or to learn about environmental links to breast cancer, visit www.mbcc.org/runforprevention.

The statewide Metro-Boston Against the Tide will be held at DCR's Hopkinton State Park on Saturday, June 15, 2019. This family-friendly and inspirational event brings people from all demographics together with one goal in mind: breast cancer prevention. The event offers participants of all ages the choice of up to four of the following components: competitive and recreational swims, recreational kayak, fitness walk, paddleboard and USA Track & Field certified 5K/10K runs. The event also offers an Aquathon “Splash and Dash” component, where participants “splash” in the competitive one-mile swim and immediately “dash” in the 5K or 10K run (distance chosen by the participant). Participants may register at www.mbcc.org/swim as an individual or as part of a team. Registration is $40 per adult per event activity ($80 for Aquathon) and $25 per student per event activity ($50 for Aquathon) up to a maximum of four events. Prizes will be awarded to the podium finishers and top fundraisers.