Registration Now Open for “Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change” Summit, a Free Virtual Learning Experience on Nov. 7

October 8, 2020

USA Triathlon-hosted event will offer concrete actions to foster diversity, equity, inclusion, access in multisport

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — USA Triathlon today announced the opening of registration for its first-ever “Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change” Summit, a free virtual event open to the entire multisport community on Saturday, Nov. 7. The summit will explore topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and access in multisport — with a focus on presenting actionable ideas that athletes, club leaders, coaches, race directors and other multisport enthusiasts can implement at the local level to create change.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7 at 11 a.m. ET, and sessions will be presented virtually throughout the day until approximately 6 p.m. ET. Participants are welcome to join for the entire day, or just for certain sessions. Coaches and race directors can earn up to seven Continuing Education Units (CEUs) toward certification or recertification for attending (one CEU per session; coaches will complete a short exam after each). All sessions will be recorded.

“Over the summer, USA Triathlon hosted 10 community roundtables with individuals from around the sport who wanted to become more involved with our DEIA efforts,” said Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO. “A recurring theme was that there is a strong desire to help drive change in our sport, but that many people don’t know where to start or how to take specific actions in their communities. The ‘Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change’ Summit will equip attendees with tangible ideas and best practices to bring to their local communities — because it’s up to all of us to proactively build a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and access in multisport.”

The summit will feature success stories from individuals and groups who have successfully implemented actions to promote DEIA in their local communities, including challenges faced along the way and action items for attendees to take with them into their own efforts.

The event aims to cover all areas of DEIA, with topics including how to be a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) ally; paratriathlon engagement; women in multisport; LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, Intersex and Asexual) engagement and allyship; NCAA pathways; creating a diverse and inclusive environment; and breaking through barriers to entry and advancement in the sport.

The specific schedule and speaker lineup are in progress, and additional details will be announced as they are finalized. The most up-to-date schedule and speaker list can always be found on the event page.

The event is free and open to all members of the multisport community — a USA Triathlon membership is not required to attend. To register today, click here.

In addition to the “Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change” Summit, USA Triathlon also launched its overall “Together, We Thrive” Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access initiative last month. The newly formed USA Triathlon DEIA Advisory Council is providing guidance and perspective for the initiative to help shape USA Triathlon’s path forward, including the formation of four specific DEIA principles.

USA Triathlon Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Advisory Council

Henry Brandon — USA Triathlon Board of Directors Member, Private Equity Specialist
Dr. Carol Coram — USA Triathlon Certified Official, ITU Technical Official
Dr. Tekemia Dorsey — USA Triathlon Board of Directors Member, Founder and CEO of International Association of Black Triathletes
Max Fennell — First African American U.S. Professional Triathlete
Gabriela Gallegos — USA Triathlon Board of Directors Member, Founder and CEO of Race El Paso
Gwen Jorgensen — 2016 U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist
Chris Mosier — Team USA Athlete and Transgender Advocate
Summer Rappaport — Tokyo U.S. Olympic Team Qualifier
Sade’ Smith — Team USA Athlete, NCAA Student-Athlete
Melissa Stockwell — 2016 U.S. Paralympic Bronze Medalist

Pathways to Leadership — Education Scholarships

As part of its commitment to fostering pathways to leadership for underrepresented groups in multisport, USA Triathlon is offering education scholarships for Coach and Race Director Certifications. Priority will be granted to individuals who identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group; identify as female; fall within a low-income bracket; demonstrate financial need for a scholarship in order to pursue a coaching or race director certification; and/or will have the ability to enhance their multisport careers through certification.

Interested individuals may apply at this link and may email Melissa Otterbein, USA Triathlon Education Manager (Melissa.otterbein@usatriathlon.org) or Megan Ritch, USA Triathlon Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Team USA Manager (megan.ritch@usatriathlon.org) with questions. There is no deadline to apply, as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

2021 Virtual Endurance Exchange Scholarships

For the second year, USA Triathlon is offering a limited number of scholarships to attend Endurance Exchange — a virtual, industry-wide conference for endurance sports to be held from Jan. 21-23, 2021 — to foster diversity and bring varied perspectives to the event. Interested candidates may apply at enduranceexchange.com. Priority will be given to individuals who identify as a member of an underrepresented racial or ethnic group; identify as female; and/or who may not otherwise be able to attend due to financial constraints.

For more information about USA Triathlon’s diversity, equity, inclusion and access commitment, or to inquire about becoming involved with USA Triathlon’s efforts, visit usatriathlon.org/thrive or email diversity@usatriathlon.org. In addition, please consider a donation to support DEIA efforts in the grassroots multisport community via the USA Triathlon Foundation.

About USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 events and connects with more than 400,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work at the grassroots level with athletes, coaches, and race directors — as well as the USA Triathlon Foundation — USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

– usatriathlon.org –