When a Virtual Race Helps Real-World Events
Over the past few months, there has been a proliferation of virtual events – many of which are hosted by existing race companies that are attempting to pay their bills and stay in business, while others such as USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run presented by TOWER26, that were created specifically to raise money to give back to other struggling race companies. Unfortunately, there are also non-event-owners using this “opportunity” to create their own virtual events just to benefit themselves without giving back to charity. Of course, it's a free market so Carpe Diem.
The Endurance Sports Coalition includes USA Triathlon, Ironman, Spartan, Tough Mudder, Mud Run Guide, and others and is working hard advocating for a long-term grant-based recovery fund to help businesses cover payroll and operating costs and make up for lost revenue until they're back on their feet.
We're following the weekly updates from the Endurance Sports Coalition and sharing them on mudrunguide.com, and this good news coming out of USA Triathlon shows that progress is possible – especially when an organization or governing body can put its members first and create programs to help keep our passion for events alive in these tough times.
[synopsis] USA Triathlon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund is expected to raise $100,000 in grants for multisport organizations, individuals impacted by COVID-19
Visit usatriathlonfoundation.org for full press release
“The USA Triathlon Foundation is overwhelmed by the generosity of donors nationwide who have chosen to give back to the multisport community through the COVID-19 Relief Fund and by participating in the USA Duathlon Virtual Run-Bike-Run presented by TOWER26,” said David Deschenes, USA Triathlon Foundation Executive Director. “Now, we are eager to extend this support to deserving individuals and organizations who have struggled during this crisis. We look forward to helping offset the financial burden that many within our community are now facing, as we all eagerly await the day when racing returns and we can again swim, bike and run.”
The COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised more than $94,000 to date and is expected to raise $100,000 by May 17. The first $20,000 in donations were matched dollar-for-dollar by USA Triathlon CEO Rocky Harris and his wife, Elizabeth Harris ($10,000), and a combination of the USA Triathlon Foundation Board of Trustees and the USA Triathlon Board of Directors ($10,000).
Funds may be used to support programs and events that have been rescheduled or postponed due to COVID-19, or to create new programs and events that will encourage participation in multisport activities. All requests must help advance the mission of the USA Triathlon Foundation, which is to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities to swim, bike, and run.
Visit usatriathlonfoundation.org for full press release