2017 IRONMAN ARIZONA | THE ATHLETE IN YOU, A PROUD TRADITION

Leading up to the IRONMAN^® Arizona triathlon on November 19, the IRONMAN Foundation^® will distribute more than $65,000 to non-profit groups and initiatives, as well as facilitate tribal youth workshops in the greater Tempe and Scottsdale areas.

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community will host IRONMAN athletes at Salt River High School for student workshops under the theme “The Athlete In You, A Proud Tradition.” SRHS students in grades 7-12 will participate in fitness and nutrition workshops with local IRONMAN athletes from Salt River, as well as IRONMAN athletes from around the world. Students will learn from the experts in athletic preparation, yoga and meditation, as well as healthy eating, including an “athlete fuel” lunch.

“We’re excited by the opportunity to not only have our students learn from some of the most dedicated athletes in the world and in our community, but to also have students make the connection that prioritizing health and wellness honors their O’odham and Piipaash heritage,” said SRHS Assistant Principal Rob Barnes.

Students at Salt River Elementary School won’t be left out. Continuing the “We’ve Got Your Back(pack)” program launched in April of this year, volunteers at the IRONMAN Foundation booth inside the IRONMAN Village will also prepare backpacks for the elementary students. Backpacks provided by Travelway Group International will include school supplies and sunscreen provided by Walmart, water bottles from Gatorade, healthy snacks from Clif Bar and inspirational notes written by IRONMAN athletes competing in IRONMAN Arizona.

Additionally, the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation will receive a $10,000 Community Grant from the IRONMAN Foundation.

“We are very grateful for an IRONMAN Foundation grant,” said Robert Scabby, Chairman of the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation Board.  “By leveraging the funding and multiplying the opportunities it opens up, we are able to extend helping hands and lift our tribal children to see clearer, richer vistas in their future lives.”

“We are extremely honored for the invitation from the Salt River Community to spend the morning with the Salt River High School students, to support the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation and the Salt River Elementary School,” said Sarah Hartmann, Community Relations Manager for The IRONMAN Foundation. “This is an extraordinary experience and together we are creating a lasting and tangible impact in the community.”

The IRONMAN Foundation Community Fund provides community and volunteerism grant opportunities to non-profit organizations where IRONMAN events are held. This year’s grant funding brings the total giveback to more than $845,000 in the Tempe region. In 2017, The IRONMAN Foundation will distribute more than $1.5 million in grant funding to support the needs of IRONMAN race communities across North America.

For more information on IRONMAN and The IRONMAN Foundation, please visit www.ironman.com and www.ironmanfoundation.org.