For a seventh consecutive year, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) will conduct its annual Ironman auction with eBay, designed to benefit a variety of charitable organisations worldwide. The Ironman Foundation has raised more than US$2.5 million (€1.9 million) through the initiative since its inception in 2003.
This year’s auction will include four slots to the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship taking place on 10 October 2009 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The auction will begin on Sunday 19 April and will incorporate four phases with one slot available per week. The minimum bid for slots to the iconic Ironman event will begin at US$10,000 (€7,660).
In 2008, Ironman recognized a multitude of groups that lent their support in each of the event markets in addition to those organisations located in the two World Championship host cities. For example, a donation of US$50,000 (€38,300) was extended to Clearwater for Youth (CFY), an organisation that celebrated 40 years of service last year. With a mission of building character through sports, CFY provides support to area youth programmes and participants in need, allowing children from all levels of society to play and learn together.
Grants and donations were also made to the West Hawaii chapters of the following national organisations: The Ronald McDonald House, Boy Scouts of America, American Cancer Society and The Special Olympics.
Additionally, more than US$40,000 (€30,600) in cash and/or supplies will be provided to The Hospice of Kona, PATH (Peoples Advocacy for Trails Hawaii) and Kamakana Children’s Playground in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.
In addition to the opportunity to compete at the 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship, winners will also receive private athlete registration in Kona and four VIP packages, including race-day passes and invitations to race-week functions.
Funding for the eBay auction does not have to be generated through one source, as fundraising efforts are acceptable. According to WTC’s President and CEO, Ben Fertic, all funds are tax-deductible and all proceeds go to The Ironman Foundation, which will in turn make donations to the organisations. Ironman covers all administrative costs to ensure all monies raised will directly benefit the selected charities.
Bidding will begin on 19 April 2009 at www.ironman.com. All athlete inquiries can be directed to kona@ironman.com.
