The Ironman Foundation has confirmed that Smile Train will be the official charity partner of the 2013 Ironman Arizona event, taking place on 17 November, in Tempe, Arizona.
Every three minutes somewhere around the world, a child is born with a cleft lip or palate and because of it, will never know what it’s like to smile. Smile Train is committed to partnering with doctors and hospitals around the world to provide free surgery to children suffering from cleft lip or palate.
“We look forward to the opportunity to team up with an organization such as Smile Train through the Ironman Arizona event,” said Dave Deschenes, Executive Director of The Ironman Foundation.
“Every year, thousands of children around the world suffer from cleft lip and palate. This partnership allows the Ironman community, that is known for having an unbelievable spirit and determination, the ability to help provide the funds necessary for these children to get the medical attention that they need.”
Founded in 1999, Smile Train has helped to provide more than 830,000 free cleft surgeries around the world to those in need. They have been active in over 87 countries and have a network of more than 2,300 medical professionals and 1,100 partner hospitals. They do this all with a staff of just 60 people around the globe.
Each day Smile Train provides more than 320 surgeries, performing approximately 125,000 surgeries this year alone.
“We’re thrilled and honoured to be partnering with Ironman to bring awareness to our cause,” said Smile Train Executive Director, Priscilla Ma. “We’re amazed by the dedication, endurance and self-motivation that Ironman athletes possess to be able to train each and every day and compete so fearlessly.
“We’re equally impressed with their generosity to open their hearts and help those less fortunate, giving children born with cleft, the gift of a smile and a new life.”
www.Ironmanarizona.com
www.Ironmanfoundation.org
www.smiletrain.org
