Irreverent Warriors Mission:
We bring Veterans together using humor and camaraderie to improve mental health and prevent veteran suicide.

Event Goals
Raise funds to support Irreverent Warriors programming.
Provide a safe and empowering environment for veterans to reconnect.
Promote strength sports as a positive coping tool in suicide prevention.
Engage the broader community in supporting veteran wellness.

Below are the events for our Strongman competition, including how each lift pays tribute to our heroes past, present, and never forgotten.

Deadlift for the Fallen

Event: Elephant Bar Deadlift (max reps in time)

Physical Goal: Pick the weight from the ground to full lockout for as many reps as possible.

Why It Matters:

Every rep is lifted in honor of a hero who didn’t make it home.

The barbell represents the weight they carried for us, physically and mentally, and the reps represent our commitment to never let their names or stories fade.

This event is a tangible reminder that while they are no longer here to lift, we carry their memory and legacy forward with strength, grit, and purpose.

Equipment Permitted: Belt, knee sleeves/wraps, wrist wraps, chalk and lifting straps allowed. If you want it accessible to novice competitors, I'd allow straps. Decide separately whether you want deadlift suits.

Warrior Squat

Event: Back Squat (for reps)

Physical Goal: Squat below parallel with as many controlled reps as possible.

Why It Matters:

The squat symbolizes the foundation of every warrior, stability, readiness, and strength under load. Just as our service members carry the weight of responsibility on their backs, athletes carry the bar. Every rep is dedicated to the warriors currently serving, those who stood the watch before them, and those preparing to follow. We honor their resilience by showing our own.

Equipment Permitted: Belt, knee sleeves or knee wraps, wrist wraps and chalk. No lifting straps.

Ammo Can Load

Event: Load & Push Medley

Physical Goal: Competitors will pick up weighted ammo cans and relay 50 Ft the  Strongman wheelbarrows, then push the loaded wheelbarrow to an end point and unload.

Weight varies by competition class.

Why It Matters:

Ammo cans are a universal symbol of the grind; the gear, the logistics, the unglamorous but essential work that keeps missions alive.

This event honors:

The supply troops who keep everyone equipped

The combat arms who carry it through the dirt

The support teams who make sure no one fights alone

Every lift and push acknowledges the countless unseen tasks and tireless work that makes victory possible and saves lives.

Equipment Permitted: Belt, knee/elbow sleeves, wrist wraps, chalk and gloves. No lifting straps or tacky.

Patriot Keg Over Bar

Event: Keg Lift Over Bar

Physical Goal: Lift a weighted keg from the ground to over the bar (most reps).

Why It Matters:

Pressing overhead symbolizes raising our flag, high, proud, and visible.

The keg represents the weight of responsibility every warrior shoulders in service to our nation.

This event pays tribute to our veterans and currently serving military who continue to “hold it overhead” every day, standing watch, protecting home soil, and carrying the burden of freedom with pride.

Equipment Permitted:  Belt, wrist wraps, elbow sleeves, knee sleeves and chalk. No straps or tacky.

Hero Hold

Event: Hercules Hold Variation (grip test for time)

Physical Goal: Hold loaded implements from moving for as long as possible.

Why It Matters:

The Hero Hold honors the unshakable grip our heroes maintain on duty, discipline, and their brothers and sisters in arms.

This stand-your-ground event symbolizes:

Holding the line

Holding your brothers and sisters up

Holding fast in the face of adversity

We honor our Fallen by refusing to let go of their memory.

We support our Veterans by refusing to let go of each other.

We respect our currently serving by recognizing what it takes to hold strong under pressure.

Equipment Permitted: Belt, wrist wraps and chalk. No lifting straps, hooks, tacky or grip-assistance devices.

Why This Event Matters
Silkies of Steel will be a mission-driven, highly visible event that brings together civilians and veterans, encourages healthy coping skills, and builds community connectedness, all while showcasing the strength and spirit of the Strongman world.  Strongman is more than competition; it is healing through effort, connection through struggle, and a reminder that resilience is a muscle we build together.

Additional Event Features:
Keynote Speakers
Veterans and advocates sharing stories of resilience, struggle, and recovery.
Food Trucks & Vendor Row
Featuring veteran-owned businesses, mental health nonprofits, fitness vendors, and local supporters.
Live Music, DJ, & Anthem Performance
Kid Zone - Family-friendly activities emphasizing that families serve too.

Athlete Categories:
Open - Any athlete that wishes to compete.
Novice - Any athlete that has not competed in an open division or has not won a novice division.
Heros Division - Law Enforcement, Fire, EMS, Veterans and military.
Teen - Any athlete between 13 - 19. (Athletes under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian written consent.)
Masters - 40+ & 60+