Sports nutrition company BASE Performance has pledged 5% of its October sales to More Than Sport, a non-profit organisation started by professional triathlete Chris Lieto. Meanwhile, Lieto and several other triathletes are racing the Ironman World Championships in Kona on 8 October for more than their own personal gain – racing for More Than Sport to help raise money for several local organisations in Kona, Hawaii.
For all orders placed through the BASE Performance website throughout this October, 5% will be donated to More Than Sport to support the organisation’s efforts in making a difference at the local level in Kona.
Chris Lieto’s story…
‘It was the day before a big race in Mexico where I was staying in a beautiful all-inclusive resort. As I left my air-conditioned room to bike along the coastline course something caught my eye. Only 5 miles from the resort I saw several young children perched in the trees. What I saw next changed my life. I peered in deeper, and just beyond the tall shrubs, lived a family in conditions not fit for any human being.
‘An overwhelming contrast from the safe brick walls that form my home, their house was constructed of flimsy cardboard boxes and scraps of wood. My wheels kept spinning and between the trees I saw snapshots of extreme poverty. There was an entire village of people living on the land, with only the trees to protect them from the blazing hot sun.
‘As a husband and a father, my heart broke for these people. My mind immediately turned to the thousands back at the resort. Most people simply fly into this beautiful tourist town, spend lots of money, and never see the desperation outside the hotel gates. I realized that not only is this kind of poverty apparent in third world countries, it’s happening in the very places we’re competing.
‘The grounds we race on belong to a people in need. Instead of ignoring the problem, why not use sports as a vehicle for change? I decided that very moment that I would find a way to bring restoration to those in need, and More Than Sport was born.
More Than Sport
More than Sport began with the vision of Chris Lieto, Ironman champion, world record holder in cycling, and 3 time triathlon champion, who wanted to do more with his athletic ability than simply compete. According to Chris, ‘More Than Sport provides a way for athletes to invest in communities of need, particularly those we compete in…
‘We are able to improve the lives of children and communities around the world, when we become athletes who live for more than sport.’
Also founded by pro triathlete Chris Lieto, BASE Performance provides nutritional supplements for endurance athletes – to improve performance, gain lean muscle, increase endurance and enhance recovery.
