Japan is gripped by its worst disaster since WWII, with the devastating earthquake, tsunami and now nuclear radioactivity fears.
Mike Trees, who founded TCL Sports in 2005, has over 25 years of experience in triathlon as both a professional triathlete and a coach to elite triathletes, and has a close bond with the country.
Mike and his Japanese wife Rieko have lived in Japan for many years and have family and friends there. On Friday 11 March 2011, they watched in horror when the earthquake and tsunami hit Eastern Japan.
“We instantly knew we had to do something. One of the port towns called Kamaishi was literally washed away in front of our eyes.”
So, Mike has launched Tri 4 Japan to mobilise the triathlon community into taking action.
Kamaishi International Triathlon has been at the forefront of triathlon in Japan for over 22 years. To name just a few pros, Cameron Brown, Lorretta and Luke Harrop, Rina Bradshaw Hill, Glende Magnum, Chris Hill, Stephen Farrell, Jason Metters and Mike Trees, have all raced there. All these athletes were able to make a living in the sport of triathlon thanks to the generous sponsorship of such races.
Kamaishi International Triathlon was funded totally by the Town Council. Now the town has been devastated and that same council and town needs support.
The mission of Tri 4 Japan is clearly stated by Mike:
“I want all triathletes around the world to dig deep and help Tri4Japan raise money. Triathlon in Japan has enriched the lives of so many triathletes for over 25 years, now I want all our friends in the triathlon world to help Japan.
“Our aim is to raise as much money as possible by September. No expenses will be taken, and all people helping are offering their time and services for free. The money will really help but also the psychological boost to the Japanese, knowing that all triathletes around the world are helping will be priceless.
“Rieko and I intend to get to the devastated area as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We will research and analyse what Japan needs most and we would like to use it for their best, as we realise many will now be orphaned due to the tsunami; we want our money to help people who have lost their family members through this disaster. “
Tri 4 Japan will raise money by the following:
1. Selling T-shirts; all money raised will go to the charity
2. Events to help raise money, in both Japan and the UK (Tri 4 Japan needs other countries on board)
3. Via the UK and international triathlon scene, running, cycle shops etc., to help raise money
Before sending out its mission statement, the initial response to Tri 4 Japan has been tremendous. Lloyds Bank TSB, Newton Running, GU Energy, 2XU, Blue Seventy, OpenWaterSwim.co.uk, Triathlete magazine UK, Tri247.com have all pledged support. This list is just the start and Tri 4 Japan needs many more companies on board.
The newly formed Tri 4 Japan charity will be in a position to take money and pledges in around two weeks.
As Mike notes on the new Tri 4 Japan website:
“At present it is just Rieko and I, so we need help to get this appeal to build momentum. Remember what thought did? NOTHING!!!!…he just thought he did it! We are all busy, but must make the effort, don’t be like thought.”
