This month, The IRONMAN Foundation – whose mission is to create positive, tangible change in race communities – kicks off the celebration of its 20th anniversary of service.
Since its inception in 2003, The IRONMAN Foundation, in partnership with The IRONMAN Group, has provided more than US$55 million in charitable giveback across all programs in the M-Dot race portfolio.
Last year alone, the brand distributed more than US$2 million to 1,200 organizations worldwide. Over the past two decades, The IRONMAN Foundation has partnered with over 10,000 local non-profit organizations across more than 75 communities to create an impact in the areas that IRONMAN events serve.
“As we reflect on our anniversary year, we are proud to recognize the immense and continued growth of The IRONMAN Foundation, which is a direct result of our supportive community, collaborative partners, and ambassadors,” said Audra Tassone-Indeck, Executive Director of The IRONMAN Foundation.
“We are truly grateful for the community of volunteers and athletes that join us to empower and inspire the next generation of triathletes, runners, coaches, mentors, and change-makers. As we look back on our 20 years of service, we are honoured to have added thousands of volunteers and athletes to The IRONMAN Foundation, bringing us one step closer towards our vision of a healthy, enriched, and fulfilled life for every person.”
Over the past 20 years, The IRONMAN Foundation has adopted multiple community grant programs and launched new projects that have supported athletes, families, and communities in need.
This includes the IRONMAN Foundation’s diversity initiative, Race For Change, which launched in 2020 with an initial pledge of US$1 million to support programming that helps ensure equity for athletes in the sport of triathlon, and in the communities where IRONMAN athletes and first-time hopefuls live, train, and race.
In addition, The IRONMAN Foundation has developed programming for giveback organizations and grant opportunities within in the civil service, humanitarian aid, and health and wellness sectors with the goal of creating positive, tangible change in race communities.
These organizations and programs include Women for Tri, Operation Gold Star, Rock This Town, Bike for a Kid, IRONAID, Team IMF, Your Journey Your Cause, alongside funding for community grant programs, among other meaningful initiatives.
“Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to continue building upon the incredible programs we have set in place while also further increasing our footprint within the communities, organizations, and athletes we serve,” added Audra Tassone-Indeck.
Kicking off 2023, The IRONMAN Foundation is planning to implement giveback programming at a variety of The IRONMAN Group’s endurance events including offering swim lessons and bicycles through Race For Change and highlighting military and first responders through the Operation Gold Star program.
The IRONMAN Foundation is also looking to take 30 women to race at the 2023 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i, with the goal of strengthening the presence of women in the triathlon community.
Additionally, The IRONMAN Foundation will welcome race announcer and renowned ‘Voice of IRONMAN’, Mike Reilly, to captain Team IMF and continue his journey with the brand by taking part in exclusive TEAM IMF webinars and gatherings.
As his first initiative as ambassador team captain, Reilly will host a webinar on Thursday, February 23 at 20:00 ET to discuss upcoming plans for Team IMF in 2023, benefits for joining the program, and priority service projects, among other giveback moments.
