Thank you. The staff who pulled up another great show in 2013. You were neck deep in planning for this show for months. You worked long hours last week and over the weekend to deliver the best to those who expected nothing but the best from Animal. Now that the weekend is done, there's an emptiness. But that emptiness will be filled next year.
Thank you. The athletes who put on a great show, from lifting exhibitions to seminars. Whether you achieved your lifting goal or not, you emptied the tanks, spilled blood and left nothing behind in The Cage. As a result, the fans were awed, entertained and motivated. I know I was. You treated the fans with respect, talked to them and lifted with them at the National ABC Event. You made them feel at home. That's Animal Brotherhood.
Thank you. The official interns really stepped it up on each day, and worked alongside the athletes and staff to make the show possible. Special thanks to the head interns who filled in wherever help was needed. And thanks to all the unofficial interns--those regular Animal fans who rose to the occasion and volunteered their assistance whenever they saw a need. They didn't have to and no one asked them to. They just wanted to give back. It was truly a team effort and it was amazing to see. Without a doubt, we have the best fans anywhere.
Thank you. All the fans who repped Animal, who stopped by The Cage and who stepped in to spend time with us. I always see this as a honor when you spend your time with us. You could spend it anywhere, in any booth. But you are here with us. Without you, The Cage is nothing more than a fence, some weights and lockers. You are all the blood that flows through and gives life to Animal.
Now, it's time to rest and recover. Until 2014.