In celebration of the 2022 VinFast IRONMAN World Championship, the IRONMAN Foundation is continuing its commitment to leave a positive impact on Hawai`i long after race day, distributing US$275,000 in charitable giveback to non-profit initiatives and groups in the Kailua-Kona community.
While the IRONMAN World Championship last took place in Kailua-Kona in 2019, IRONMAN and the IRONMAN Foundation note that they have remained steadfast in supporting the local community during the challenging past three years.
Since 2003, the total giveback awarded to local Hawai`i community charity organizations have equated to nearly US$3 million. Charitable programs have included:
- The IRONMAN Foundation’s Kahiau Together Aid Station food-distribution events,
- IRONAID COVID-19 Support Fund Grants that served over 132,000 meals in addition to another US$30,000 in grants to non-profits feeding their communities,
- Operation IRONAID Face Masks non-sterile face mask distribution, and
- Grant funding given to the Daniel R Sayre Memorial Foundation.
“The Kailua-Kona community is an important part of IRONMAN and the IRONMAN Foundation, and even when it was not possible to host the IRONMAN World Championship, it was important for us to remember our Hawaiian roots and our employees in this community to take care of those who needed support the most in such a dire time,” said Shane Facteau, COO of The IRONMAN Group and President of the IRONMAN Foundation.
“We are so grateful to be physically back with our `ohana here in Kailua-Kona as we work together to support the many important non-profits and initiatives on the Island of Hawai`i.”
Audra Tassone-Indeck, Executive Director for the IRONMAN Foundation, added “We are truly honored to partner with these organizations to provide funding and support for their initiatives. “Together, as `Ohana, we’re leaving a positive and lasting impact here on the Island of Hawai`i.”
The IRONMAN Foundation’s giveback to the island of Hawai’i and race week activities include the following…
Kahiau Together
The impact on the Island of Hawai’i during the COVID-19 pandemic became clear as hotels closed, restaurants and shops were shuttered, and the volunteers who help make the iconic IRONMAN World Championship happen became some of the hardest hit. Together, with the local IRONMAN Hawai’i team, The IRONMAN Foundation created Kahiau Together.
Built from the Hawaiian word Kahiau, meaning to give generously and lavishly from the heart while not expecting anything in return, Kahiau Together consisted of 25 food distribution drive-through events throughout 2020 and 2021. As part of a US$1 million commitment to the community, The IRONMAN Foundation supported local fishermen, farmers, and ranchers by purchasing their products and then distributing these items in food bundles, providing over 132,000 meals to local community members.
Support of the Kona Community Aquatic Center
The IRONMAN Foundation will provide US$100,000 in grant funding to the Kona Aquatic Center for a new score board at the facility. The scoreboard will allow the Kona Aquatic Center to host championship level competitions at the facility, helping to then decrease the cost for families and athletes.
Additionally, the IRONMAN Foundation, in partnership with HOKA and Tom Kennedy of Kennedy Law Racing, will provide a US$10,000 grant to the Hawai’i Aquatics Academy which provides free swim lessons during the school day to children.
Daniel R Sayre Memorial Foundation / Dave Orlowski Memorial Grant
This year The IRONMAN Foundation is recognizing local charity Daniel R Sayre Memorial Foundation, which is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to providing essential equipment and training to the Hawai`i Island Fire Department who serves the Hawaii community.
Dave Orlowski was a pioneer in the sport of triathlon as one of the original IRONMAN finishers in the inaugural event in 1978 and a member of the IRONMAN Foundation Board of Directors. In 2020, Orlowski passed away after battling leukaemia. After his passing, The IRONMAN Foundation established the Dave Orlowski Memorial Grant, which is given out annually to honour Orlowski’s legacy of service through sport and commitment to community.
We’ve Got Your Back(Pack)
Athletes and supporters were invited to stop by the IRONMAN Foundation booth at the VinFast IRONMAN World Championship Village at Hale Hālāwai Park, through to October 5 to join in stuffing backpacks with wellness items for local students. The IRONMAN Foundation provided 50 sling bags filled with items to encourage children to stay active and healthy. All items for the backpacks will be supplied by the IRONMAN Foundation and HOKA.
IRONMAN Foundation Athlete Team
The IRONMAN Foundation with have 45 athletes from around the world race in support of its mission to create positive change in race communities through grants and volunteerism efforts.
IRONMAN Foundation athletes will also participate in various Q&A panels throughout race week. The IRONMAN Foundation will host three panels including:
www.ironmanfoundation.org
www.ironman.com
