The USA Triathlon Foundation, in partnership with the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), is now accepting applications for its second round of COVID-19 Relief Fund donations – with US$55,000 in grant funding available.
The relief fund provides financial support to members of the US multisport community who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Individuals and organizations may apply for funding through to Monday, March 15.
A portion of the funding was raised through the PTO 2020 Championship Sweepstakes at Challenge Daytona, in which past and present pro triathletes – including Jan Frodeno, Dave Scott, Daniela Ryf, Mark Allen and Lucy Charles – donated their time alongside merchandise in a global, 10-day-long prize draw.
In addition, the PTO itself contributed to the relief fund by donating all proceeds from its pay-per-view livestream broadcast of the PTO 2020 Championship.
Complete eligibility information and application materials for the COVID-19 Relief Fund can be found at usatriathlonfoundation.org. All applications are reviewed by a seven-member independent grant committee. Thisincludes USA Triathlon Foundation Trustees; coaches; race directors; age group athletes; paratriathletes; pro triathletes; and PTO members Matt Hanson and Jackie Hering.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly every aspect of our lives,” Matt Hanson said. “The multisport community has been a haven for many seeking new challenges, a social outlet, healthier lifestyles, and an all-around way of life – but the sport has definitely not been immune to the impacts of the pandemic.
“Many individuals lost their training outlets, and many businesses were put under extreme financial pressure. I applaud USA Triathlon, the PTO and Challenge Daytona for working to help give back to the triathlon community, and I look forward to reviewing the applications for these funds.”
The foundation will make all selections, announce grant funding recipients and distribute funds by the week of March 29. Grant applications up to US$5,000 will be considered. The foundation may not be able to support every eligible request for funding.
In its first round, the relief fund distributed more than US$110,000 in grants to multisport organizations and individuals.
“The USA Triathlon Foundation is grateful for the generosity of the Professional Triathletes Organisation and the individual athletes and donors who gave time and resources to support the COVID-19 Relief Fund,” said David Deschenes, USA Triathlon Foundation Executive Director.
“We are proud of the impact the fund has made so far through grants at the grassroots level, and we look forward to providing additional relief as the multisport community continues to grapple with and rebound from COVID-19’s effects.”
Charles Adamo, Executive Chairman of PTO, said “2020 was an incredibly challenging year on many fronts.
“The PTO and its member PTO Professionals were grateful to have the opportunity to harness the interest in professional triathlon as a chance to ‘play it forward’ with this fundraising initiative to support those in the sport most in need.
“We are grateful of the partnership with USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation and their fantastic efforts to keep the sport going during these difficult times.”
The foundation welcomes applications from USA Triathlon-certified race directors and race management organizations; USA Triathlon-certified coaches and clubs; and other individuals and organizations who have been impacted by the pandemic.
Funds may be used to support programs and events that have been rescheduled or postponed due to COVID-19, or to create new programs and events that will encourage participation in multisport activities.
‘All requests must help advance the mission of the USA Triathlon Foundation, which is to transform lives through sport by providing opportunities to swim, bike and run for all.’
Donations in support of the USA Triathlon Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund are being accepted on a continual basis.
www.usatriathlonfoundation.org
www.protriathletes.org
www.challenge-daytona.com
