The challenge consisted of eight weeks of physical, mental, and spiritual training, plus one final week of an obstacle course and an eight- or 12-mile march on the beach

Leah Anaya
For Clark County Today

The Spartan Challenge, affiliated with the organization Flash Love, honored the 15 graduates of its Class 007 at Living Hope Church on Friday (April 14) evening. The challenge consisted of eight weeks of physical, mental, and spiritual training, plus one final week of an obstacle course and an eight- or 12-mile march on the beach, depending on the recruit’s preference and ability. The challenge is culminated on the 10th week by the ceremony, where friends, family, and previous challenge graduates show up to celebrate the achievements of the young men of Class 007.

Andrey Ivanov is the founder and overseer of both Flash Love and the Spartan Challenge. “We are preparing a generation with a vision and direction,” he said. “To organize their lives and establish their foundation by learning to work hard, develop relationships and build a home. We equip them with skills and abilities to confidently speak, apply due diligence and stand up for truth to defend human rights. We value people, find ways to unite our efforts to bring peace and justice for all.”

The lead instructor of the Spartan Challenge is Taylor Wilkerson, who is at the rank of sergeant major in Flash Love. Wilkerson currently holds the rank of staff sergeant in the United States Army National Guard after 14 years of military service and has recently won the Vancouver Open bodybuilding competition. 

“I’m not touchy-feely,” Wilkerson said, “but I love these kids. I love the kids that come through this challenge, and I’m honored to be a part of their growth as strong men and women who are leaders in their communities.”

Week one saw about 25 recruits begin the challenge. Throughout the weeks of the tough military-style training, several of them quit, and a few others failed to meet the graduation requirements. Fifteen young men in total were honored on Friday and will now be welcome to serve during community service events with Flash Love. Some of the service events held by the group are community and highway clean-ups, cutting and delivering Christmas trees to those who would be otherwise unable to purchase one on their own, and land clean up and maintenance for the elderly and disabled.

While the challenge recently undertook the ability to include female recruits, Class 007 was only male recruits. Ivanov said that class 008 will also welcome females. When there are both males and females, they train together for some of the time but split up for multiple training sessions, recognizing the differences in men and women for things like physical training. Males in the challenge can start at age 12, where females in general start at 16, although waivers are possible.

Several awards were given to the graduates, including the award of Most Improved, which was given to Steven Dill. Dill said that he was honored and surprised to receive the award. 

“Before this challenge I was doing some dumb things, smoking dope and other stupid things teenagers do,” he said. “I’m not doing that anymore. I learned that I’m stronger and smarter than that and I’m grateful to the instructors who helped me through this.”

Several parents of graduates spoke highly of the challenge as well, encouraging others in attendance to sign up their children. One parent, Krista Wigginton, said that she is very glad her son, Ethan, chose to participate. 

“He has had intense growth in the past 10 weeks. I’m so proud of his determination and perseverance, and it’s amazing to see how the challenge helped stretch him and mold him as a man. I highly recommend other young men and women to be a part of this!”

The 15 graduates of Class 007 were: Collin Clonts, Ethan Clonts, Dockyn Coates, Braden Creon, Steven Dill, Alex Garcia, Sylas Ledesma, Liam LePoidevin, Benji Nadirov, Arthur Padillas, Logan Ruiz, Christian Stupak, Isaiah Walker, Imanuel Walker, and Ethan Wigginton. While Dill was honored for most improved, Isaiah Walker was given the leadership award and Imanuel Walker was given the award for the highest scores for physical testing (push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and running). LePoidevan and Ruiz were also honored as warrior spirits.

The next Spartan Challenge begins on Oct. 7. To learn more about the Flash Love group, make a donation, and/or sign up future recruits, check out the Flash Love website.