The second annual ’Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change’ Summit, a free virtual event from USA Triathlon (USAT), open to the entire multisport community, is scheduled for November 5-7, 2021.
The summit will explore topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) in multisport. There will be a focus on… ‘presenting actionable ideas that athletes, club leaders, coaches, race directors, officials and other multisport enthusiasts and industry professionals can implement at the local level to effect change.’
The event aims to cover all areas of DEIA. Topics include:
- How to be a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) ally;
- Paratriathlon engagement;
- Women in multisport;
- LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) engagement and allyship;
- NCAA pathways;
- Creating a diverse and inclusive environment; and
- Breaking through barriers to entry and advancement in the sport.
The summit will feature stories from individuals and groups who have successfully implemented actions to promote DEIA in their local communities, including challenges faced along the way and action items for attendees to take with them into their own efforts.
Speakers include:
- Monica Garrison, founder of Black Girls Do Bike
- Chris Mosier, founder of Transathlete.com
- Clarice Chastang Lorenzini, professional triathlete and coach
- Nia Obetette, award winning author of “I Am a Triathlete”
- Sara Gross, PhD, IRONMAN champion, founder and CEO of Feisty Media
- Sadé Smith, Daemen University Women’s Collegiate triathlete
- Reggie Waller, USA Triathlon Certified Coach
The summit will cover USA Triathlon’s approach to DEIA, including organizational updates from Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO, and Megan Ritch, USA Triathlon Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Manager.
“There is a strong desire from many in the multisport community to help build a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and access in multisport, but it is hard to know where and how to start,” Ritch said.
“Often, change starts with conversations. With listening. With learning. The ‘Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change’ Summit brings together incredible speakers and panellists from the multisport community who are driving that culture change.
“By hearing their stories, their challenges and their successes, attendees can learn, start a dialogue and come away with tangible ideas and best practices to implement action in their own local communities.”
The specific schedule for each day of the summit will be announced shortly. Coaches and race directors can earn one Continuing Education Unit (CEU) per session attended and exam taken. All sessions will be recorded.
Additionally, Perspective Fitwear is running a limited-edition Together, We Thrive line in conjunction with the summit.
The summit is free and open to all members of the multisport community. A USA Triathlon membership is not required to attend.
