The International Association of Black Triathletes Launches FREE – Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE

January 29, 2021

to Reduce Health & Mental Disparities For Youth Amid Covid19 Pandemic

Baltimore, MD. – The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) is a national humanitarian nonprofit dedicated to providing advancement for urban youth and communities they represent through the sport of triathlon by being a gateway to reduce academic and health disparities and to increase opportunities for collegiate studies, internships, and economic development.

The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) launches the first of their 2021 Nationwide Initiatives focused on youth across the world despite the Covid19 Pandemic. IABT’s NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE is geared towards getting youth active and engaged while reducing face time via computer; addressing and combatting the increase in childhood obesity and mental health concerns caused by the covid19 pandemic while taking part in an activity connecting prospects to NCAA/Collegiate Club coaches and programs. 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 the increase health and mental disparities caused during the pandemic while keeping them focused on a brighter future.

“Obesity is a common, serious, and costly chronic disease. Having obesity puts people at risk for many other serious chronic diseases and increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in turning the tide against obesity and its disproportionate impact on racial and ethnic minority groups.

Regular physical activity helps you feel better, sleep better, and reduce anxiety. It can also help with preventing weight gain and when combined with calorie reduction, helps with weight loss.¹⁴ Physical activity can also help prevent diseases that increase a person’s chances of having severe illness from COVID-19 such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.¹⁴ Emerging research suggests it may also help boost immune function” (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, December 2020).

“IABT’s 2021 Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE will assist in the addressing and reduction, possibly even eliminating the stressors for youth nationwide from January 1 – March 31, 2021. Youth also need solutions to combat these ongoing and growing concerns regardless 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 promotes life-long health. Sports are vital to a healthy life which is why I’m excited to be working with IABT to help grow the sport of triathlon. Triathlon is a sport for anyone and everyone. It’s inclusive, but still growing which is why it’s important to have initiatives 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 want others to experience the joys of triathlon too which is why I’m happy to spread the teachings of triathlon with IABT. – 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

First as a mother, then as a coach, I believe that we need to be using our resources to fuel the youth of today, so that they can discover their authentic selves to build a better society for tomorrow.  With this initiative, we have the opportunity to impact diverse groups by getting them plugged into opportunities that otherwise might not be available.  Through sport, we can positively impact confidence and keep the motivational flame burning.  I’m excited to be a partner! – Christina Roberts, Owner–Enflyte, LLC, NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member

The NCAA & Collegiate Club Virtual Tour is an incredible opportunity to expand the NCAA Combine experience to a more broad and diverse group of kids who previously might not have had the chance to showcase their skills. By removing geographic and financial barriers, the IABT has effectively leveled the playing field of the NCAA Combine experience, ensuring that the best talent has access to the best college coaches and programs, and has the ability to change the lives of thousands of young athletes. – Derek Fitzgerald, CEO & Founder at IronHeart Technologies,  NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member

Not much tops the satisfaction one feels when guiding youth down the path of success.  This is especially the case for those who are underserved and underrepresented.

The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) in conjunction with the NCAA provide opportunities to experience the sport of triathlon inclusively and equitably.  Most of all, the youth participants have a clear path to post-high school education. 

The attributes of good character such as respect, responsibility, confidence, optimism, courage and integrity (to name a few), are important both on and off the field of play.  What better way to build upon this foundation for underserved and underrepresented youth than through the IABT and NCAA partnership. – Carol A. Coram, Ed.D., NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member, USA Triathlon athlete and official, USAT Foundation Ambassador, USAT Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Advisory Council (Member)

I am truly looking forward to the NCAA/ Virtual Combine hosted by IABT! As an educator, swimming coach, mentor, and father; I am excited for youth across the Nation to have a first-class experience as they embark upon this tremendous opportunity. 

Even before the Pandemic, our society was faced with athletic, gender, racial, and financial disparities that have forced youth to have low self-esteem, and underperformance in several areas of their lives.  

This Virtual Combine offers an opportunity for youth and parents to learn, grow, and push themselves further than they could ever imagine. – Marlon Turner, Swimming Coach/ Educator, NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member

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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