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Stephen Schaefer and his oldest son exercising at a park (photo courtesy of Stephen Schaefer)
By Liam Verster
Burpees for autism

Awareness and funds for autism supports will be raised through record breaking attempt

Dec 4, 2019 | 5:00 AM

A man originally from Grande Prairie will attempt to break a Guinness World Record, while also raising awareness and support for autism.

Stephen Schaefer was born and raised in Grande Prairie, but now lives in Edmonton, where he serves as a police officer.

On Saturday, Schaefer will be attempting to break the world record for most chest to ground burpees done in an hour. The record currently stands at 920.

Schaefer isn’t just attempting to break the record for himself though, he’s doing it in support of the organization Edmonton Autism, and the programs and services they provide.

Schaefer’s 7-year-old son is autistic and a big inspiration to him.

“My son is very active as well, and likes to train with me. So, I wanted to do something fitness related, and push myself to the next level.”

He says he does fitness training, which does include burpees, but this will still be a challenging endeavor.

The attempt will not only raise awareness for autism, but also money. Schaefer has set up a fundraising page through Canada Helps to raise money for the programs and services provided by Autism Edmonton. He says the fundraising efforts have been a success so far.

“The goal was $3,000, and it’s been amazing because I believe that as of today (Tuesday), that goal has been met. So, it’s really been amazing.”

He says though raising money is great, he also really wants to increase awareness.

“I think a lot of people don’t know much about it, and they also don’t know what resources are available for the family members, and those with autism themselves. So that’s really the goal here.”

Schaefer will attempt to break the burpee world record on Saturday at noon in Edmonton. He’s unsure if there will be a live stream of his attempt, but is certain someone will be filming it, and posting it online afterwards.

by Liam Verster