Volunteer Spotlight: Conor Murphy, Reebok CrossFit ONE

04/16/18

At BOKS, we have the good fortune to work with many passionate individuals who, over the years, have taken our program to the next level. These people have sacrificed time, energy and resources to bring a love of movement and fitness to children across the globe. Conor Murphy is one of our greatest examples of a person who has put the needs of BOKS kids above his own and dedicated many hours of his time to our cause. Beyond his time at BOKS classes, Conor has spent countless training hours to raise funds for the program most recently at the Marine Corp. Marathon last fall and today in the toughest of conditions, at the Boston Marathon. Conor and three other members of Reebok CrossFit ONE, will on 26.2 miles while raising money to bring BOKS to schools that need it most. Conor and his team are almost halfway to their goal, click here to support their efforts.

We had the opportunity to catch up with Conor and hear more about his drive and dedication to BOKS, here is this week’s Volunteer Spotlight:

Please briefly explain the highlights of your own personal journey with fitness:

My personal journey with fitness starts and ends with my overall health. Health, for me, can be defined as fitness throughout the years of your life. Taking 5th place at the 2017 Reebok CrossFit Games was definitely the highest athletic accomplishment achieved, but I look forward to training and lifting weights well into my 70’s and 80’s. That’s why I train.

How did you first get involved with BOKS?

Kathleen Tullie one day asked if I would come and stop by one the BOKS schools and hang with the kids. Hanging and playing with the kids that morning warmed my soul. I wanted to get involved in any way that I could.

What has been the most impactful BOKS moment for you?

Hearing the stories from children about how much they love the BOKS program. For many of them, it is the highlight of their day.

Why do you feel passionately about bringing fitness opportunities to kids?

I feel passionately about bringing fitness opportunities to kids because it is absolutely necessary. Kids need this, potentially more than anything else they do in school. We were meant to be active. Sedentarism mixed with overconsumption of food is the reason our nation faces a wave of chronic disease.

Who is one of your biggest role models and why?

Anyone who does the right things, for the right reasons, for the right people. Selfless people like Geoff Leard, James Hobart, Kevan Miller, Kathleen Tullie… All of these people would give you the shirt off of their back with no recognition desired. In fact, most of them are drawn towards helping people the most when it goes unnoticed. Integrity driven people.

Finally, what inspired you to run for BOKS in the 2018 Boston Marathon?

Things weren’t always as peaceful with me as they are now. If there is a way that I can give back to the children of this world and improve the quality of life for others, then I am on the right track. I am only a vehicle in this operation. The real heroes are the people donating money for this cause. I am always inspired by people’s will to help others. Though you may not see it on the morning news, I assure you, people still care about one another.