The Island House Hotel in Nassau, Bahamas, has announced its sponsorship of 13 professional triathletes for 2015. The Island House, a 30-room boutique hotel set to open in April 2015, is the latest project of long-time endurance sports supporter Mark Holowesko.
In recent years, Holowesko has sponsored the Hincapie Racing Team and Garmin-Sharp pro cycling team. In 2015, he is increasing his presence and support of triathlon through The Island House. A triathlete and four time Ironman finisher himself, Holowesko is passionate about growing the sport and encouraging the development of both world class and up-and-coming triathletes.
Holowesko said, “I am excited to continue my sponsorship of triathletes, something I have been doing for 15 years. This year’s athletes are an exceptional group of people from different disciplines.”
The Island House roster includes athletes from ITU to Ironman distances with several current and former World Champions. Holowesko also included less decorated athletes who he believes will be strong ambassadors for the Island House and should show character and promise in the sport.
Holowesko said, “I started sponsoring athletes that were in the early years of their professional development. Hopefully I can continue this approach through the Island House.”
Island House sponsored triathletes will enjoy training at the Island House throughout the year as well as financial support for travel and racing.
The Island House line-up includes 2014 Ironman World Championship runner-up Ben Hoffman; three-time Olympian and four-time World Champion Tim Don; six time Ironman Champion Luke McKenzie; standout swimmer now focusing on half iron distance Barrett Brandon; multiple 70.3 Champion and former ITU duathlon World Champion Leon Griffin; and Ironman Champion Trevor Wurtele on the men’s side.
The female ambassadors include current ITU World Champion Gwen Jorgensen; 2012 Ironman and 70.3 World Champion Leanda Cave; two-time Ironman World Championship podium finisher Rachel Joyce; Olympic Silver Medalist and former ITU World Champion Lisa Norden; multiple Ironman and 70.3 Champion Heather Wurtele; Olympic non-drafting specialist jumping to half iron-distance in 2015 Lauren Brandon; and new mother and standout runner looking to make a comeback in 2015 Beth Gerdes.
The Island House is a 30-room luxury boutique hotel and cultural gathering space in Nassau, Bahamas set to open in early 2015. Designed with both high-end guests and the local community in mind, and as a symbiotic extension of the surrounding environment, the hotel ‘represents the antithesis of the commercial mega-resorts that now dominate this once unspoiled island – a return to the understated elegance of authentic island life.’
The property will feature six rental apartments, two restaurants, a café, spa, gym, squash and paddle courts, and movement studio for fitness classes.
