The International Triathlon Union (ITU) has announced a new partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. The partnership further reinforces ITU’s commitment to develop sport among the world’s youth. For at least the next two tri seasons, Laureus will be the official Global Charity Partner of the ITU.
The Laureus Foundation is the charitable arm of the Laureus World Sports Academy – a unique association of 46 sports legends, including Edwin Moses, Boris Becker, Dawn Fraser, Cathy Freeman and Steve Waugh.
ITU is excited to launch the 2010 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series on 11 April in Sydney, the city that hosted the inaugural Olympic Games triathlon in 2000.
The new partnership agreement will add even more excitement to the season’s opening event with the presence of sporting legend and Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Edwin Moses, and Layne Beachley, a member of the Laureus Friends & Ambassadors programme. They will announce details of the exciting new partnership between Laureus and ITU.
The Laureus Academy Members share a belief in the power of sport to break down barriers and bring people together. Laureus currently supports 78 community sports projects around the world that use the power of sport to improve young people’s lives and bring about social change. Since its inception Laureus has raised more than €35 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of over one million children.
An official launch of the 2010 ITU series unveiling the specifics of the agreement will take place at a press conference on Friday 9 April in Sydney, two days ahead of the season’s opening race. ITU President and IOC member, Marisol Casado will also be attending along with Kristina Keneally, Premier of New South Wales.
Casado said, “It is a great pleasure for ITU to support the inspirational sport development initiatives of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Triathlon is a fresh, dynamic sport, which has always promoted social change and a balanced, healthy lifestyle among the world’s youth. I believe our goals and aspirations perfectly synchronise with the visions and projects of Laureus.”
Laureus Academy Chairman Edwin Moses said: “I am delighted that the International Triathlon Union has chosen Laureus to be their charity partner for 2010. Triathlon is one of the boom sports at the moment and the projections for its growth over the next few years are impressive. I know this is going to be a great partnership.”
