WHO WE ARE
The
Star City Strong Foundation is a growing, Roanoke-based 501c3 nonprofit
on a mission to make strength sports and active communities more
accessible while advancing intentional research continuing to prove the
strong connection between lifting and mental wellness.
We
envision a world where movement - particularly strength training - and
mental health go hand-in-hand, leading to stronger bodies, minds and
communities.
We're
starting where our story began: the sport of Strongman. As we grow,
we'll expand to other strength sports and fitness communities, guided by
research, real needs and lived experiences.
WHAT WE DO
Our Iron Fund helps cover competition fees for first responders, veterans, military members, adaptive athletes and mental health providers.
The Loading Zone
is a digital space in development for event organizers and volunteers
to share tools, templates and problem-solving strategies, making
strength sports more sustainable and collaborative behind the scenes.
The upLIFT Network (Uniting to Promote the Lifelong Impact of Fitness & Therapy) starts locally with a partnership study of a therapy-and-lifting model that's already improving focus, confidence and emotional regulation in teens. The Network is growing to link gyms, mental health providers and other partners-in-mission who believe in the power that movement has for mental wellness.
WHY IT MATTERS
43%
In a large-scale US study of over 1.2 million adults, 43% reported fewer poor mental health days when they were physically active. (Checkroud et al., 2018)
2
Just 2 strength workouts per week are enough to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. (O'Connor et al., American College of Sports Medicine, 2020)
75%
A review of 43 studies found adding exercise to substance use treatment protocol reduced recurring use in 75% of cases and decreased depression in 28%. (Abrantes et al., 2023)
HOW TO HELP
Star City StrongFest is our largest fundraising event and community celebration of the year.
When you sponsor or donate, you will directly support the initiatives above, creating real, local impact. We welcome volunteers to help throughout the event day, as well as vendors interested in engaging with our audience.
Fulfilling part of our mission to make strength sports accessible, Star
City Strongman offers a fee-free Hero Division open to law enforcement,
first responders, military, veterans and mental health providers.
If any of these opportunities interest you, let us know below!
