STOUGHTON - Jed Centeno is a 20-year-old young man from Stoughton who wants to make a difference in other people's lives through fitness and challenges.
His mom Jovelyn Fodra immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 2015, leaving her son Jed Centeno with his grandmother.
Fodra gained employment at Crossroads Bar and Grill, while also working at the New Hope Pioneer Lodge, both located in Stoughton.
In 2018, Centeno came to Canada and began his schooling at Stoughton Central School. He graduated from Grade 12.
Centeno decided engineering was what he wanted for a career, but after going to college in New Brunswick for one year, Centeno was not sure if this was the right choice for him.
When his year was completed, Centeno returned to Stoughton and picked up work at Stought’s Eatery, the Crossroads Liquor Store and at Triple J Roofing.
Centeno is also involved in the Stoughton Soccer League through playing and officiating.
During this time, he often thought of the poor conditions in the Philippines and said he has seen much poverty there. He helped many people in his country through charity and wants to do the same thing here.
Centeno has always enjoyed fitness and hopes to one day build his own business; in the meantime, he wants to do a fitness challenge.
“I am not a fitness coach nor a personal trainer,” said Centeno, but he does say that the challenge he plans will help people and a great charity.
Flex with Purpose Trail Expedition achieves two goals in one action, helping community and improving one’s self.
The challenge is based on team participation. Each squad will have 25 members, and this challenge will take place in Stoughton at the soccer fields on Sept. 7 and 8.
Children under the age of eight may also join in on the fun, but they do not count towards the 25 people needed in the group. Feel free to add as many kids as wanted to the team.
The first event is the 250-kilometre run, jog or walk. At this station, the team must accumulate the required distance, which will take a great deal of effort.
Another event is the 50,000-sled push. The goal is move 50,000 pounds 50 metres using a sled. This challenge demands teamwork, co-ordination and strategy.
The third challenge will have the team taking sand bags over 50 metres, totalling 50,000 pounds. This will also require a lot of skill, strategy and a great deal of teamwork.
The fourth challenge is a surprise and will be announced that day.
Each challenge is done as a team, and Centeno ensures that the more the team works together, the better the results.
It has an entry fee of $35 per person, and children under the age of eight are $15 each. This money will be gathered, with a portion going to the winning team, some paying off the few expenses incurred, and the rest donated to a charity.
Stoughton is getting involved with teams coming from the Stoughton Pool, Stoughton Golf Course and the Stoughton Soccer Club.
They are challenging other towns to get involved and to create a team for a fun-filled weekend of fitness.
Centeno is hoping this is the beginning of a yearly event.
