Gwen Jorgensen, Meredith Kessler and others Lend Their Voice

February 1, 2021

to IABT’s 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives

Baltimore, MD. – The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) launched their 2021 Nationwide Initiatives focused on youth across the world impacted by the Covid19 Pandemic. IABT launched three initiatives geared towards getting youth active and engaged while closing the gap in sports, sports programming and academics. 2020 placed a halt on activities on the school level and the national level. Students across the world have been forced to transition from a traditional modality to a virtual one. Families have been forced to adapt their way of living in uncertain times.

Using technology as a solution, IABT’s CEO, Dr. Tekemia Dorsey created three initiatives focused on youth across the globe that takes place in the comfort of their own homes and designed to get them active, reducing increasing health and mental disparities and keep them focused on a brighter future.

Obesity and COVID-19 are pandemics that negatively affect the health and well-being of children. Since the covid19 pandemic started almost one year ago:

• Children with obesity face increased biopsychosocial risks during COVID-19.
• Stress exacerbates inflammation and immune response in obesity and COVID-19.
• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly interrupted children’s daily routines.
• The health effects of the obesogenic environment are exacerbated by COVID-19.
• Access to timely, comprehensive healthcare is critical during COVID-19 (Esevier Public Health Emergency Collection – January 2021).

Beginning in April 2020, the proportion of children’s mental health–related ED visits among all pediatric ED visits increased and remained elevated through October. Compared with 2019, the proportion of mental health–related visits for children aged 5–11 and 12–17 years increased approximately 24%. and 31%, respectively (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nov 2020).

“IABT’s 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives will assist in the addressing and reduction, possibly even eliminating the stressors for youth nationwide from January 1 – April 30, 2021. Youth also need solutions to combat these ongoing and growing concerns regarding of barriers such as geographic location, socioeconomic barriers, transportation or costs, say Dr. Tekemia Dorsey.”

IABT’s 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives:

1. Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club VIRTUAL COMBINE (Ages 12 – 17 years old) – FREE
2. Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club VIRTUAL TOUR (Ages 12 – 17 years old) – FREE
3. Nationwide Youth & Junior VIRTUAL TRIATHLON (Ages 6 – 17 years) -Small Fee

Sports teach lessons and promote life-long health. Triathlon is a sport for anyone and everyone. It’s inclusive, but still growing which is why it’s important to have initiatives put on by IABT such as the TRIAD via the NCAA & Collegiate Club Combine, Virtual Tour, and Virtual Triathlon to teach and grow the sport of triathlon. Triathlon taught me how to get the most out of myself, learn from my mistakes, and create healthy life-long habits. I hope others can learn from and stay healthy through triathlon.

Gwen Jorgensen – 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist

“Our youth is our future — we aspire to keep them happy, motivated and inspired along the way to greatness! IABT’s Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE event connects youth prospects while enriching their lives and keeping their dreams alive!” 

Meredith B. Kessler – Professional Triathlete

“Helping young people connect with a wide variety of opportunities is critical to creating bridges to future success.  For schools hoping to create access for diverse populations this can serve as an introduction to under-represented communities”.

Bryant Howard, NCAA Women’s Varsity Triathlon Program  

Head Coach – Lenoir Rhyne University

 “We are excited about this new opportunity that Dr. Dorsey and the International Association of Black Triathletes, Inc. has developed for urban youth. The tour will serve as an incredible platform for introducing urban youth to opportunities to race at the NCAA and collegiate club level. Dr. Dorsey is a trailblazer for diversity in the multisport community. She has already impacted the lives of hundreds of urban youth through triathlon and we at USA Triathlon look forward to witnessing the impact of this new program.”

Rocky Harris, CEO, USA Triathlon (Colorado)

Learn more about IABT at www.theiabt.org

About The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT)

 IABT is the only International African American and Women Owned National Non-profit Humanitarian Charitable organization in the multisport industry, headquartered in Baltimore, MD. IABT Multisport Racing is the only African American and Women Owned Multisport Racing Company in the country.

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