In 2018 the IRONMAN Foundation will conduct 16 service projects in conjunction with IRONMAN and IROMMAN 70.3 events. Each service project is conducted in partnership with a local non-profit organization, ‘powerfully linking IRONMAN athletes to the local race community’. This year’s roster builds on the success of 2017, when 1,800 athletes participated in 14 service projects and ‘positively impacted countless lives.’
“Athletes, TriClubs, volunteers and their supporters are invited to join the IRONMAN Foundation throughout the season as we connect with our local race communities for unique, life-changing opportunities,” said Sarah Hartmann, Acting Executive Director of the IRONMAN Foundation.
“When we unite for a common purpose – changing lives through sport – we leave our IRONMAN legacy behind long after race day.”
2018 Service Projects:
- IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Rico (San Juan, Puerto Rico) – On March 19, more than 100 athletes and volunteers helped rebuild homes and revitalize the small community of Barrio Ingenio in partnership with the Buena Vibra Foundation. Additionally, the IRONMAN Foundation awarded US$120,000 in Humanitarian Relief Effort funding to support Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
- IRONMAN 70.3 Oceanside (Oceanside, California) – On April 8, 50 professional and age-group athletes volunteered at the 2018 IRONMAN Foundation Junior Seau Foundation Adaptive Surf Clinic presented by the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Thirty kids, women and military/adults with physical challenges spent the morning learning to paddle and surf at Oceanside Pier with the assistance of surf coaches, volunteers and triathletes.
- Memorial Hermann IRONMAN North American Championship Texas (Houston, Texas) – When Hurricane Harvey’s record flood waters devastated much of southeast Texas, the IRONMAN community stepped up to support the IRONMAN Foundation’s Humanitarian Relief Effort campaign. On April 26, athletes and volunteers will continue this with hands-on rebuilding support at a Hurricane Harvey community recovery project.
- IRONMAN Lake Placid (Lake Placid, New York) – On July 19, a special community service project is planned to commemorate the 20th year of the event. Further details to follow.
- IRONMAN 70.3 Santa Rosa (Santa Rosa, California) – The record-breaking Tubbs fire ripped through Sonoma, Napa and Lake counties. The IRONMAN community stepped up in support of the IRONMAN Foundation’s Humanitarian Relief Effort, and on July 29, athletes and volunteers will provide hands-on rebuilding support at a community wildfire recovery project.
- IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship (Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa) – On September 3, athletes and volunteers will help restore a local school and spend the day with local children in partnership with IRONMAN 4 the Kidz. IRONMAN 4 the Kidz has provided more than R15 million in support of 19 children’s homes in South Africa, funding sport, nutrition, education and capital initiatives.
- IRONMAN World Championship (Kailua-Kona, Hawai`i) – To celebrate ‘40 Years of Dreams’, athletes and volunteers will have a hands-on community service experience on October 8. Details will be announced closer to the event.
- IRONMAN Florida (Panama City Beach, Florida) – On November 1, a community service project is planned to celebrate the 20th year of the event. Further details to follow.
- IRONMAN Arizona (Tempe, Arizona) – On November 15, a day of service is planned in partnership with the Salt River Children’s Foundation
At an additional six races, the IRONMAN Foundation will conduct ‘pop up service projects’ inside the IRONMAN Village race expo. Athletes will have the opportunity to build bikes for local youth as part of the ‘Bike for a Kid’ program in partnership with FLO Cycling.
Athletes and community members who are interested in volunteering at the respective service projects, can visit IRONMAN Foundation in Service for full registration details. Questions about the individual service projects can be directed to sarah.hartmann[at]ironman.com.
