The IRONMAN Foundation Community Fund will distribute US$50,000 in grant funding to initiatives and groups in the greater Tempe, Arizona community in conjunction with the 2014 IRONMAN Arizona presented by Waste Management triathlon, which takes place on Sunday 16 November 2014.
The IRONMAN Foundation’s contribution will provide support to non-profit needs and initiatives within the local community. Collectively, a total of over US$1.6 million has been provided to support the needs of IRONMAN race communities in 2014.
Through the Community Fund, The IRONMAN Foundation will donate funds to the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community to support their youth initiatives in Arizona. With over 38% of the population of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community under the age of 18, the needs of children and youth are a clear priority for this Native American tribe.
The IRONMAN Foundation, in partnership with the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation (FHSPSF), will also donate one grant of US$8,960 to the Tempe Fire Medical Rescue Department to show support of first responder groups. This donation will be used to procure sonar equipment which will allow their diving team to avoid putting rescuers in dangerous situations by providing mobile search capabilities.
“Victims of water incidents often are trapped by unseen hazards below the surface,” said Fire Captain Frank Reed. “Having the ability to recon the search area before committing divers will greatly enhance safety and could potentially save lives.”
“Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, along with The IRONMAN Foundation, is grateful for the opportunity to give back to those who loyally serve our communities,” said Robin Peters, Executive Director of FHSPSF. “As IRONMAN athletes prove that ’Anything is Possible,’ we feel that the mantra also represents what can be done to support the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.”
For the second year, The IRONMAN Foundation has partnered with Boulder-based Newton Running to form ‘The IRONMAN Foundation – Newton Running Ambassador Triathlon Team’. As a team of athletes from across the US, upholding the concept of ‘Service through Sport and Commitment to the Community’, these athletes are asked to participate in a team community service project in the days leading up to their selected IRONMAN race events.
Additionally, each athlete is asked to commit to fundraising to support a local cause in their race community. Sixteen members will be representing the team at IRONMAN Arizona and have identified Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN) as the beneficiary of a hands-on service project and the fundraising efforts of their team.
KEEN is a national, non-profit volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. The IRONMAN Foundation – Newton Running Ambassador Triathlon team members have raised nearly US$30,000 to donate to the organization.
The IRONMAN Foundation also provides registered athletes with the platform to fundraise for the Foundation or a non-profit beneficiary of their choice as they train for their IRONMAN event. These athletes have signed up to participate in The IRONMAN Foundation’s ‘Your Journey, Your Cause’ fundraising program.
Through their participation with The Foundation these athletes have been touched by something greater than themselves and are giving back to non-profit organizations to make their race experiences more than just crossing the finish line – they are racing for a cause.
IRONMAN Arizona athletes have raised a total of US$25,713 for their respective causes, while collectively all of the Foundation’s ‘Your Journey, Your Cause’ athletes have raised nearly US$300,000 for their respective causes in 2014.
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