New Guinness record shows women are stronger than they think

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TORONTO, Ont. ­– Up With Women founder Lia Grimanis set a new Guinness World Record for the “Heaviest Vehicle Pulled 100ft by a Woman.”

Grimanis pulled a 17,000 lbs Canada Cartage tractor to raise awareness for women and girls at risk and to inspire women to realize that they are strong than they think.

Grimanis knows firsthand what it means to be strong.

“As a survivor of homelessness and violence in the home, I wanted to show women who are struggling that anything is possible, and that we are all stronger than we think we are,” said Grimanis. “I didn’t think I would live past the age of 21. On December 12, I celebrate my 42nd birthday and I’m thrilled to use this opportunity to be able to give back through the truck pull to those who supported me when I was homeless – the YWCA and other shelters, and invest in the lives of women and girls at risk.”

The event took place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Marnie McBean, three-time Olympic champion, participated as a guest judge.

“Accepting big goals is intimidating,” said McBean. “Unfortunately, that’s why too many people hesitate to ‘think big’ and try to make a positive change. Lia is a normal person who does incredible things because she makes it a habit to accept the fear and challenge that comes with big goals, demonstrating to others that they too can be, and are, stronger than they think. “

Maple Leaf Foods, one of the event’s primary sponsors is donating 10,000lbs of food – 1,000lbs for every 10 feet Lia pulled the truck – to the YWCA Toronto.

“Lia, the Up with Women organization and the YWCA Toronto play tremendous roles in shaping bright futures for so many women and girls who need a helping hand,” said Michael McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf Foods. “We are proud to provide the YWCA with nutritious food that will help thousands of women enjoy healthy, balanced meals and to partner with Lia to get the message out that women and girls at-risk can be the leaders they have always wanted to be.”

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