Strength In Our Streets

Strength In Our Streets is a one-day Indiana Fitness Competition that will host an estimated 40, 12 person teams (480 athletes) from CrossFit affiliates and various gyms across Indiana. 100% of the proceeds benefit the work of Wheeler Mission, Indiana’s largest homeless service provider.

Participating athletes work together to fundraise to help people experiencing life threatening issues such as homelessness and addiction. Since the event debuted in 2014, this event has raised more than 1.4 million dollars through peer-to-peer fundraising.

Who We Are
Wheeler is a non-denominational, Christian, social services organization, which provides critically needed goods and services to individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and need in Central and South Central Indiana without regard to race, color, sexual orientation, creed, national origin, or religion.

Our Mission
To provide Christ-centered programs and services for individuals experiencing homelessness and those in need.

Our Vision
To see every man, woman, and child we serve equipped to be productive citizens who enjoy lasting success in Christ.

Click here to view our Statement of Faith

We are currently looking for event sponsors!



Download our sponsorship form to join the cause, or email us at Sponsorship@WheelerMission.org

Watch as Anna from Naptown Fitness explains how the Championship workout will be scored.

Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are a wonderful way to support and encourage Strength In Our Streets participants while benefiting Wheeler Mission. Not only will you encourage your athlete by giving, but you’ll also make a tremendous impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness in our community. Grants made to Wheeler Mission through DAFs will be used “where most needed” to help provide nourishing meals, safe shelter, and other essential care to their guests in need.

Clients of some of the largest Donor Advised Funds can easily make a designation by conveniently clicking on the box of their Fund below. If your DAF is not listed, please connect with them directly to get the process started.

When making your gift, please indicate SIOS and the name of the athlete being supported in the designation, and your gift will be credited to his or her personal fundraising page once Wheeler receives the check. You may also need to include Wheeler Mission’s Federal Tax I.D. Number: 35-0888771.

For more information, please contact Jeff Boxell, Wheeler Mission's Senior Director of Donor Relations, at 317.635.3575 or JeffBoxell@wheelermission.org. 

THANK YOU for your generous gift during this exceptional time to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness!

Sample post wording: Will you join me in supporting a great cause? I'm proud to participate in Strength in our Streets and raise funds for Wheeler Mission that will help provide meals, shelter, and care for the men, women, and children who come to Wheeler for help. 100% of proceeds goes directly to Wheeler Mission and your contribution will make an incredible impact! Thank you for your support!

[Make sure to include a link to your personal fundraising page when posting!]

To download, right click on (if on a computer) or press and hold (if on a phone) the image you would like to use. You can then save and/or share the image.

August 25, 2020

We are so grateful you registered to participate in the 2020 Strength In Our Streets fitness competition. From all of us here at Wheeler Mission, thank you for your support! President/CEO, Rick Alvis, explains the importance of this event — especially this year — to Wheeler Mission and our community:

“This year’s Strength In Our Streets is more important than ever. Since the onset of the pandemic, Wheeler Mission has tirelessly served on the front lines of homelessness, addiction, and hunger. Throughout this crisis, we’ve received men, women, and mothers with children with open arms and provided the food, shelter, and care they desperately need. For 2020 to date, Wheeler has faithfully served 6,680 people. We have not — and cannot — do this alone. The funds raised during the annual Strength In Our Streets competition are vital to ensure that men, women, and children continue to receive the help they count on. We greatly appreciate all of the teams and the athletes who are stepping up in 2020 to encourage the guests at Wheeler Mission to NEVER GIVE UP! This is a year like none other, and I’m excited to see all of the virtual action on October 10th!” 

Yes, he said VIRTUAL. Due to the challenge of finding a host venue, the uncertainty of what COVID might bring in October, and our priority to provide a safe event for everyone, we have decided to go virtual with our 2020 event. AND we are excited about the possibilities this will bring to the event! Here is what our program partners at Naptown Fitness have in store for the 2020 event:

"NapTown Fitness is excited to team up with Wheeler Mission to bring Strength in Our Streets to fitness facilities across the Midwest.  Transitioning to a Virtual Competition will have its challenges, but the number of opportunities this provides far exceeds those challenges.  We can't wait to see teammates working together in their own gyms crushing the SIOS Workouts via Zoom, Facebook, and Instagram live.  This will be an action packed weekend and now we can reach more people and make a bigger impact for our community." -Jared Byczko, NapTown Fitness 

Who: Teams of 10 (plus 2 judges) will still be in play to keep with the SIOS tradition. We will be lifting the team registration restrictions to allow any team that is interested in competing to register! So no cap on the number of teams, and gyms don't have to be an affiliate of CrossFit!

What: A one-day, virtual fitness competition with four workouts to complete with your team throughout the day. All workouts will be compliant with social distancing guidelines to uphold the safety of all athletes choosing to participate in the event.  

AND DON'T FORGET! FUNDRAISING IS THE FIRST EVENT (happening now!) AND WILL BE SCORED!

When: At 8:00 AM on event day, Saturday, October 10, 2020, we will begin with a virtual kickoff with Event Staff, the NapTown Fitness event programmers, and all of the team captains. This will be a time to ask questions about any workout, demonstrate and clarify movement standards, and announce the standing for the Fundraising Event. This will lead into the first workout event to be performed by all teams at the same time. From there, teams will sign off and have until 2:00pm to complete the remaining 3 workouts in any order. There will be a closing meeting at 2:30pm where we can announce spirit award winners, fundraising winners, and thank everyone for their participation. Event winners will be announced the following week once scores have been confirmed.

Where: Participating teams will be performing the workouts for the day in their team gyms. Workouts can be performed inside or outside. Host gyms will require basic fitness equipment (Concept2 rowers, barbells & plates, pull up rig, wall balls) in order for teams to complete the workouts.

How: If you are looking to win any prizes, you will be required to video your team completing each workout so our event team is able to check the legitimacy of scores on the leaderboard. You will have 48 hours to submit the videos and the leaderboard will be finalized the following week after we have confirmed scores. Winners will be announced later in the week.

As you can see, a lot of thought and consideration for everyone's safety is going into the planning of this event. Our Event Team here at Wheeler Mission is also working hard to make this a fun, engaging, and rewarding competition for the athletes and teams. We will keep you updated as plans and programming solidify. Be sure and follow us on social media and visit our website — StrengthInOurStreets.com — for the latest information. If you have any questions, you can also email us at info@strengthinourstreets.com. Our team is here to help!

Thank you again for supporting the men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in our community through participation in this event. Looking forward to seeing you virtually on October 10th!

On behalf of the entire event team,

Tammy Ellis
Director of Special Events
Wheeler Mission

When does the 2026 event registration open?

Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:00am EST

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes, all donations are tax deductible

What do I do with checks or cash?

All donation checks need to be made out to Wheeler Mission and mailed to:

Wheeler Mission
Attn: Strength in our Streets
205 E New York St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204

Donations must include a note : Strength In Our Streets, Team Name, Team Member Name or it will not count for the competition. Donations must arrive by Monday prior to the event to count for scoring.

What if there is bad weather on event day?

If because of bad weather or any other reason this event is cancelled, there will not be a make-up date. All donations are final. Thank you for supporting Wheeler Mission.

Can I change team members?

Email all changes to info@StrengthInOurStreets.com

Will the judges be judging their own teams?

No

Do judges need to fundraise?

Yes, judges are a part of the team and will be included in the top fundraising team prize and podium prizes.

Can a team be made up of athletes from multiple affiliates?

The short answer is no. The intent is to have an affiliate competition, not create “super teams”. It’s a fun event for charity that most levels of athletes can compete in. If you have a specific circumstance that needs clarification, please email info@StrengthInOurStreets.com

For all other questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@strengthinourstreets.com

• Fundraising is a scored event and essential for teams looking to succeed in this competition.
  
  

• Fundraising minimum is $1,500 per team
  
  

• 100% of the proceeds benefit Wheeler Mission
  
  

• By end of day September 11th, teams must have 5 men, 5 women, and 2 judges ready to compete and a minimum of $1,500 raised or risk not being allowed to compete
  
  

• Fundraising for scoring ends at 12:00pm on Saturday, September 19th
  
  

• All donation checks need to be made out to Wheeler Mission and mailed to:

  Wheeler Mission
  Attn:Strength in our Streets
  205 E New York St.
  Indianapolis, IN 46204
  
  

  Donations must include a note : Strength In Our Streets, Team Name, Team Member Name or it will not count for the competition. Donations must arrive by Monday, September 14th to count for scoring.
  
  

• All donations are tax deductible
  
  

• All donations are non-refundable

• Fundraising is a scored event and essential for teams looking to succeed in this competition.

• Fundraising minimum is $1,500 per team

• 100% of the proceeds benefit Wheeler Mission

• By end of day September 11th, teams must have 5 men, 5 women, and 2 judges ready to compete and a minimum of $1,500 raised or risk not being allowed to compete

• Fundraising for scoring ends at 12:00pm on Saturday, September 19th

• All donation checks need to be made out to Wheeler Mission and mailed to:

  Wheeler Mission
  Attn:Tammy Ellis
  205 E New York St.
  Indianapolis, IN 46204

  Donations must include a note : Strength In Our Streets, Team Name, Team Member Name or it will not count for the competition. Donations must arrive by Monday, September 14th to count for scoring.

• All donations are tax deductible

• All donations are non-refundable

EARTHWAVE TECHNOLOGIES



Strength In Our Streets has a BRAND NEW Presenting Sponsor for 2021! Earthwave Technologies is an Indianapolis-based company specializing in cutting-edge telematics solutions for heavy equipment contractors. We have had an incredible event for the past 7 years and are excited for year 8 thanks to Earthwave Technologies! They may be our Presenting Sponsor, but that doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun; there will be an Earthwave team competing in the event as well! Thank you, Earthwave, for your support of Strength In Our Streets and your commitment to serve our community’s most vulnerable!

MYO-FIT MOBILITY & THERAPY



Myo-Fit is back again this year as a premiere sponsor! Along with offering free soft-tissue therapy at the event, they have been behind the scenes donating $50 to the first 10 teams to hit the team fundraising minimum of $1,000. Congratulations to these teams who won the challenge!

•    CrossFit Westfield
•    Body Evolution CrossFit
•    Officium Community and Fitness
•    IGY6
•    Together We Rise CrossFit
•    M4G
•    Fort Ben Fit
•    Top Fuel CrossFit
•    CGX Crossfit Red
•    IXF CrossFit

AXE HEAD THREADS



We'd like to give a shout-out to our NEW event sponsor, Axe Head Threads! Axe Head Threads is a custom embroidery and screen print company located in New Palestine, Indiana. Started in 2017 and fully owned and operated by career firefighters local to central Indiana, James Wolsiffer and Andy Drake, Axe Head Threads specializes in apparel made for firefighters, police, and military, but clients include everything from corporate companies to local youth sporting teams. They have no minimum orders on embroidery, and everything they do is made to order!

"We were honored when approached to participate in this event because we love what Wheeler Mission stands for. We have it in our hearts to give, and this business has given us a tremendous opportunity to do just that. We are very blessed to be a part of this event and to help in any way we can." said owners Andy and James.

You can find Axe Head Threads on Instagram and Facebook by searching “Axe Head Threads," as well as their website, axeheadthreads.com, where you can customize orders.

Thanks for screening our event shirts, James and Andy!

Minimum Standards: Athletes must be able to:

Plyometrics

• Run/walk minimum of 800m
• Jump and/or step up to a box 24 inches for men and 20 inches for ladies
• Get-overs: 48 inch box
• Every athlete is expected to be able to to single unders
• At least 1 male and female double unders
• At least 1 male and female expected to do cross overs
  Athletes to provide their own rope

Gymnastics

• Pull-Ups (on yoke)
• Handstand Walk in 5' segments (at least 2 people in the team)

Strength

• Bench press: 2 x 50lbs DB's for men and 2 x 35lbs DB's for ladies. A barbell with a total weight of 165lbs for men and 105lbs for ladies.
• Cleans: Both power and squat cleans. 2 x 50lbs DB's for men and 2 x 35lbs DB's for ladies. A barbell with a total weight of 115lbs for men and 75lbs for ladies.
• Snatches: Both power and squat cleans. 1 x 50lb DB's for men and 1 x 35lb DB's for ladies. A barbell with a total weight of 115lbs for men and 75lbs for ladies.
• Deadlift: 2 x 50lbs DB's for men and 2 x 35lbs DB's for ladies. A barbell with a total weight of 275lbs for men and 185lbs for ladies.
• Back Squat: A barbell with a total weight of 225lbs for men and 155lbs for ladies.
• Front Squat: A barbell with a total weight of 155lbs for men and 105lbs for ladies.
• Press: Can strict, push or jerk: A barbell with a total weight of 115lbs for men and 75lbs for ladies
• American Kettlebell Swings: 53lbs for men and 35lbs for ladies
• Goblet Squats: 53lbs for men and 35lbs for ladies
• Wall Balls: 20lbs
• Sandbag Cleans: 150lbs for men and 100lbs for females
• Farmers Carry: 200m with 2 x 53lbs for men and 2 x 35lbs for females
• DB Step Ups with a 80lb DB for men and 40lb DB for females (Single DB)

Team Movements - Worm

• Deadlift a 4 person worm weighing 365lbs
• Clean a 4 person worm weighing 365lbs
• Walk 200m with the worm on your shoulder

Packet pick-up will be the morning of the event. It will continue until the end of Event 1.

Click on attached PDF to download/print scorecard.

SUBMIT SCORE HERE

One male and one female will perform each of the following skill tests:

Max Dead Hang Hold
Max set of Toes 2 Bar
Max set of Pull Ups
Max set of Chest 2 Bar Pull Ups
Max set of Bar Muscle Ups

At the start of the workout, a male and female will begin a max effort dead hang hold. The judges will note the time when each athlete drops from the bar and ends their set. When either athlete finishes their attempt, the following athlete will begin their set of max effort toes 2 bars. When the set of toes 2 bars is complete, the next athletes will begin on their max effort set of pull ups. The same sequence will follow on to chest 3 bar pull ups then bar muscle ups to finish out the workout. One judge will be following the male athletes as they progress through the skills while the other judge follows along with the female athletes. Athletes will only have one attempt at their max effort set. If a team wishes to begin the entire process again to give an athlete a shot, then they can start the entire attempt over with a fresh video and start from zero for each athlete and segment of the workout. 

Movement Standards:
The dead hang hold will begin as soon as the athlete’s hands are on the bar and feet are off the floor. The set will end when any part of the athlete’s body touches the ground or rig (ie you cannot lean your body against a vertical post on the rig). 

In the toes 2 bar, the athlete must go from a full hang to having the toes touch the pull up bar. At the start of each rep, the arms must be fully extended with the feet off of the ground and the feet must be brought back behind the bar and the rest of the body. Both feet must come into contact with the bar at the same time, inside the hands. 

In the pull, the athlete must go from a full hang to having the chin rise above the pull up bar. At the start of each rep, the arms must be fully extended with the feet off of the ground. Strict, kipping, or butterfly reps are all permitted.

In the toes 2 bar, the athlete must go from a full hang to having the chest come into contact with the pull up bar. At the start of each rep, the arms must be fully extended with the feet off of the ground. Strict, kipping, or butterfly reps are all permitted.

In the bar muscle-up, the athlete must begin with or pass through a hang below the bar with the arms fully extended and feet off of the ground. The heels may not rise above the height of the bar during the kip. At the top, the elbows must be fully locked while the athlete is in the support position above the bar with the shoulders over or in front of the bar. 

Score: 
Teams will have 5 scores for this workout, the team’s score will be the sum of the male score and the female score for each movement. If an athlete is unable to complete a rep at their assigned movement, then they will be given a score of zero time or reps for that movement. 

Video Requirements:
The video should run from the beginning of the first dead hang to the end of the last bar muscle up for each set of athletes (men and women). Be sure that each skill movement is clear and visible for each athlete.

Bring a 10x10 pop-up awning (weighted down, please) and your favorite décor and costumes (family friendly, please) to try and persuade the "secret judges" into voting for your team! There has been a lot of creativity and team spirit in past years. Who will bring home the coveted trophy and bragging rights this year?

To download, right click on (if on a computer) or press and hold (if on a phone) the image you would like to use. You can then save and/or share the image.

Tuesday's Recording
Passcode: ?3krDkvZ

Wednesday's Recording
Passcode: LgWD!87e

• Each team must have 5 male competitors, 5 female competitors, and 2 judges registered. All competitors and judges must participate in event fundraising.
  
  

• Registration opens April 1st at 9:00AM
  
  

• There is a limit of 40 teams for the 2026 event.
  
  

• On April 1st, ONLY TWO TEAMS PER GYM may register. Gyms may register more than two teams starting April 11th.
  
  

• A $50 non-refundable registration fee will be charged per team.
  
  

• By end of day September 11th, teams must have 5 men, 5 women, and 2 judges ready to compete and a minimum of $1,500 raised or risk not being allowed to compete

Welcome to the Strength In Our Streets volunteer page! I’m so glad you are here!

Strength In Our Streets is more than just a fitness competition—it’s an event with a purpose! As Wheeler Mission’s second largest fundraiser, this event directly supports men, women, and children experiencing homelessness by providing essential shelter, meals, and life-changing programs.

By volunteering, YOU play a vital role in making the event a success. Every role helps bring hope to those in need!

We have a variety of volunteer opportunities, and you don't need to know CrossFit to help. Click the button below to find the perfect fit for you!

I’m incredibly grateful for each of our volunteers—we couldn’t do this without you! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me at sarahensminger@wheelermission.org.

With gratitude,

Sarah Ensminger
Special Events Assistant - Volunteers