Triathlon Ireland has announced Diabetes Ireland as the sporting organisations first ever official charity partner.
Membership within Triathlon Ireland, which is expected to top 8,000 this year, will be encouraged to wear the distinctive purple kersey of TEAM Diabetes Ireland and will also benefit from reduced membership subs with the charity should they or a family member have need of the services it provides to those with the condition.
There will be special fundraising initiatives centred on a number of key events including TriAthy, Triathlone and the Dublin City Triathlon. Both parties will promote the services of the charity and the benefits of an active healthy lifestyle on each others websites and will cross promote across social media and member communication.
Diabetes Ireland attended the Sport for Business Round Table on Charity and Sport held earlier this year and will be using some of the lessons learned from that gathering and sharing of knowledge to ensure this partnership is a success.
Triathlon Ireland is the National Governing Body for the sport of triathlon, aquathlon and duathlon in Ireland. Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide and that growth is mirrored in Ireland where membership is up by over 800% since 2005. Membership is once again on the rise in 2013 with numbers expected to top 8000 this season.
“We feel our charity partnership with Diabetes Ireland is the perfect match,” said Scott Graham, Triathlon Ireland’s Development Officer. “It is well documented that a healthy, active lifestyle can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.
“If triathlon can be an avenue for more people to stay fit and active than we are achieving one of our major objectives. Our network of over 80 clubs are always delighted to welcome new members and there are numerous ‘try a tri’ events aimed at those new to the sport, so there are plenty of opportunities for those looking to dip their toe in some swim, bike and run action.”
Diabetes Ireland provides support, education and motivation to all people affected by diabetes. The organisation also raises public awareness of diabetes and its symptoms and funds Irish based research into finding a cure for diabetes.
“This announcement is great news for Diabetes Ireland as we embark on a new phase in our development and growth,”added Kieran O’Leary, CEO of the charity. “We are opening of our own Diabetes Screening Service Clinic next month and funds raised through this partnership which will be ring-fenced to aid fit out costs of this important new facility.”
Diabetes Ireland recently announced its first TEAM Diabetes Ireland ambassadors including Limerick professional cyclist Stephen Clancy who has Type1 Diabetes and is a member of Team NovoNordisk, a pro team where all the cyclists have Type 1 Diabetes.
“He will be writing online blogs to include cycling tips and techniques, as well as a cycling clinic later in the year which we hope will be beneficial to triathletes through this link up,” said Brand Partnerships Manager with Diabetes Ireland Gary Brady.
Triathlon Ireland have principal commercial partnerships with Vodafone, Europcar and Kinetica.
Read more of our recent analysis of Charity and Sport in Ireland
Read more of our recent coverage of Triathlon
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