March 4, 2010 (Tampa, Fla.) -- Today, World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owners and operators of the IronKids brand, announces the 2010 IronKids National Triathlon Series schedule and opening of event registration. IronKids, which targets youth ranging from 6 to 15 years of age, aims to inspire and motivate youth through sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle. Participants compete in age-appropriate distances with an emphasis on fun and safety. Now in its second year, the youth triathlon series will return to the 2009 host communities while adding several new locations to its roster.
"WTC is committed to youth fitness in the U.S. and abroad and providing a unique platform that allows children to embrace physical activity,"said Ben Fertic, president and CEO of WTC. "IronKids is working to further develop the sport of triathlon while motivating families to improve their well being through exercise."
In addition to the race, the series offers an interactive weekend experience for the entire family. Each event will see the IronKids Expo, featuring product sampling, retail booths and activities as well as youth triathlon and nutrition clinics. The triathlon clinics, lead by USAT-certified coaches and designed to teach the basics of triathlon, will take place approximately two weeks prior to each race, with a second clinic being held the day before each event. Select races will also host IronFlix, a children's mini-film festival showcasing features and shorts that embody the IronKids' mission.
The 2010 series will kickoff May 15 in Orlando, Fla., at Walt Disney World's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campgrounds. The complete race schedule is as follows:
2010 IronKids National Triathlon Series
Date Race
May 15 IronKids Orlando, Fla.
May 23 IronKids San Diego, Calif.
June 13 IronKids Round Rock, Texas
June 27 IronKids Raleigh, N.C.
July 11 IronKids Avon, Colo.
July 25 IronKids Carmel, Ind.
Aug. 7 IronKids Boulder, Colo.
Aug. 22 IronKids Oklahoma City, Okla.
Aug. 29 IronKids Seattle, Wash.
Sept. 12 IronKids Alpharetta, Ga.
Oct. 2 IronKids St. Petersburg, Fla.
Oct. 3 IronKids National Championship -- St. Petersburg, Fla.
Participants in the 2010 series will have the opportunity to support IronKids' two official charity partners:
* The Iron Andy Foundation's "Iron Andy Challenge"(IAC) awards camp scholarships to children with diabetes who complete a set of criteria: embracing physical fitness challenges; giving back to the diabetes community by participating/fundraising for diabetes education and awareness; and serving as a diabetes advocate and role model.
* "Team Winter"was founded by 11-year-old triathlete Winter Vinecki as a way to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, the disease that claimed her father's life. Vinecki, who aims to encourage children to be active, will serve as an IronKids ambassador and hopes to inspire other participants to support and race for a cause close to their heart.
"We strive to support health initiatives as well as organizations that give back to youth programs,"said Michelle Payette, director of IronKids. "The goals of both of our charity partners complement the mission statement of IronKids, as their purpose is to have a positive impact on children's lives through sports."
To register for and learn more about the 2010 IronKids National Triathlon Series, visit IronKids.com.
ABOUT IRONKIDS
World Triathlon Corporation acquired IronKids in 2007 from the Sara Lee Corporation that owned the event series since 1985. IronKids' events have seen more than 40,000 participants in its history. In its inaugural year, the IronKids National Triathlon Series hosted nine races, including a National Championship event in Tucson, Ariz., for youth ranging from 6 to 15 years of age. This year, the series will see growth domestically as well as globally, with international licensed events taking place throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific. National partners K-Swiss, Aqua Sphere and Timex support the IronKids brand, which includes triathlon events and licensed products.
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