More Than Sport and Chris Lieto will partner with YWAM, Homes of Hope, to build homes for flood victims in the Darien Gap in the Republic of Panama following Ironman 70.3 Panama this February 2012. The group will build four homes for the neediest of families from the village of El Salto, who are recovering from a series of floods in 2010 that saw more than 300 people lose their homes.
More than Sport invites IM 70.3 Panama athletes to journey to the Darien Gap in the Republic of Panama. The Darien is a dense and virgin rainforest, ‘mysterious and isolated’. Within this region dwell the indigenous tribal people called the Embera, who live much as they have for centuries.
However, for the Embera inhabitants of the village of El Salto along the River Chucunaque, much of their traditional lifestyle has been put on hold. In November 2010 a series of floods caused more than 300 people to lose their homes. They are still recovering from the damage, with a total of 48 homes in dire need of being rebuilt.
YWAM Panama (Youth With A Mission) and Homes of Hope are endeavouring, along with the government of Panama, to rebuild the homes of this village. Athletes can join More than Sport to make this dream come true, as they set out to build four homes for the neediest of the families.
Athletes competing in Panama can extend their travel for three to four days after the race to build a whole house, or just help for a day. More than Sport will also be raising the funds for building materials. Those interested in joining in the build or for more information on how to donate time or resources, contact morethansportinfo[at]gmail.com
More than Sport began with the vision of Chris Lieto, Ironman champion, world record holder in cycling, and 3 time triathlon champion, who wanted to do more with his athletic ability than simply compete. According to Chris, “More Than Sport provides a way for athletes to invest in communities of need, particularly those we compete in…
“We are able to improve the lives of children and communities around the world, when we become athletes who live for more than sport.”
