Health insurance provider BF&M has been named as a main sponsor for the ITU World Triathlon Bermuda event. Last May, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the International Triathlon Union (ITU) signed a three-year contract, adding Bermuda as one of eight countries on the global circuit from 2018. The inaugural event, and first race in this year’s World Triathlon Series, will be held on 28 April 2018
“World Triathlon Bermuda welcomes this partnership with a leading Bermuda health insurer, as our sport encourages healthy living,” said Phil Schmidt, Local Organizing Committee Chairman of World Triathlon Bermuda.
“We appreciate BF&M recognizing the opportunity this premier event brings for Bermuda in our growing sports tourism calendar,” added Pat Phillip-Fairn, Chief Product & Experiences Development Officer at the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA).
The new event will be hosted in Hamilton, Bermuda, on 28 April, showcasing the island’s naturally crystal clear waters, hilly terrain and colourful buildings. Bermuda residents are being encouraged to be out in full force to support Bermuda’s achievement as host and to support reigning eight-time World Champion and Olympian, Bermudian Flora Duffy.
John Wight, President and CEO of BF&M Limited, said, “Having the opportunity to celebrate Flora’s achievements and to support her in a World Triathlon Series event right here at home is incredibly exciting.”
“As a leading health insurance provider, supporting an athletic event of this calibre is a perfect fit for BF&M. If even one young person is inspired to get fit, after watching these world-class athletes -perhaps even to take up the sport seriously – then our sponsorship will have been worth it. A lifetime of medical expenses for one person can far exceed the cost of this sponsorship, so inspiring the community to exercise is a priority.”
Wight continued, “In addition, as a 115-year-old Bermudian business, we are deeply vested in seeing Bermuda succeed as a premier tourist destination and in stimulating the local economy. For these reasons we are excited to be a Main Sponsor for the World Triathlon Series in Bermuda.”
The Elite race that Flora Duffy will compete in, and the Age Group amateur race which will ‘attract hundreds of runners’, will both take place on Saturday 28 April. Front Street will be the focus of all racing. Athletes will line up for a swim start at Number 1 car park, where free public viewing areas and a VIP section will be positioned for a viewing advantage. The Elite athletes will transition onto bikes and the run right in front of spectators on Front Street. The organising team adds that the central location offers great viewing for spectators, and several significant technical challenges for athletes.
One of the spectator highlights of the bike course will be watching athletes pumping their way up Corkscrew Hill in a gruelling steep effort. It is anticipated that hundreds of people will participate in the Age Group amateur event, including locals trying their first triathlon. Organisers welcome sportspeople of other disciplines to register and train for the April event, which does not require a qualifying time.
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