Victory Grips will not be in the vendor village in Albany, but not by choice. We were informed by HQ that the grip sponsor of the event is the only company allowed to sell grips in the vendor village. Despite this company also being the sponsor of multiple categories, it only affects the grip category. Victory Grips only sells grips, therefore; by default, we cannot be present in the vendor village in Albany.
We aren’t just a product company, we're also affiliate owners. Victory Grips was first conceived in our affiliate, CrossFit Identity in Atlanta, back in 2013. We continue our legacy at CrossFit Y'all in Savannah, GA. We want to show up for the broader community in Albany, but we were told we can’t.
Is this fair? It doesn’t matter. Life is not always fair. You will be met by challenges, obstacles and setbacks on your pursuit towards your goals. These are opportunities to learn, build strength and get creative with what you have. It is a mindset of being unstoppable and keep moving forward.
The question isn't whether it's fair. The question is: What are you going to do about it?
Looking back at sports history: in 1985, Nike was fined $5,000 per game every time Michael Jordan laced up his black and red Air Jordan 1's, which violated the NBA's uniform policy at the time. In 2015, athletes were banned from wearing Nike Metcons in Carson, CA when Reebok was granted exclusivity due to their sponsorship of the event. That black and red (Bred) colorway is now known as the "Banned" colorway—a symbol of defiance and strength.
As a nod to Nike, we're raising the Bred flag. We're dropping our UNSTOPPABLE grips in the iconic colorway.
When they try to shut you out, you don't retreat. You double down. You show the world that obstacles are just stepping stones to something bigger.
Be defiant. Defy the odds. Be unstoppable. Get after it!
UNSTOPPABLE grips are ready to be on your hands. Limited quantities. No excuses.
This moment reminds me of one of my favorite Rocky Balboa monologues…
“The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It is a very mean and nasty place and it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t how hard you hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done. Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hit, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you are because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!”
– Victor Pellegrino
Founder and Designer of Victory Grips
