Local gym raising money for Maine-A-Wish through deadlift contest [Video]

WESTBROOK, Maine — Some 70 contestants are preparing to participate in a deadlifting competition at Iron Legion Strength Co. on Saturday, where they will deadlift hundreds of pounds to raise money for Make-A-Wish Maine.

Scott Baumann, the owner of Iron Legion Strength Co. said this is the gym’s sixth annual Operation Change event. The contestants raise money through sponsorships and donations, pitching in to help dreams become reality for children who are battling childhood cancer and other terminal illnesses.

“It’s emotional for all of us,” Baumann said. “I usually announce the event in the beginning, and I don’t even get through it without getting choked up because of the families and all the stories behind the competitors.” 

Baumann said the people who participate in competition aren’t athletes or professional weightlifters, they’re just people who are finding …