IABT Launches Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual Tour

February 2, 2021

to Close the Gap between Sports, Sports Programming and Academics For Youth

Baltimore, MD. – The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) launches one of their 2021 Nationwide Initiatives focused on youth across the world despite the Covid19 Pandemic. IABT’s NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual Tour geared towards closing the gap with sports, sports programming and academics address problems face by youth and parents while providing viable solutions at the same time. 2020 placed a halt on finances, travel, college exploration, navigation and connection, social opportunities and future hope for students and families.  Parents are unable to travel and explore college campuses and speak to admission officers while learning ways to reduce financial constraints due to the covid19 pandemic. Students remain leery of their future with online learning going into its second year and the return to the classroom is nowhere in sight. These issues alone have increased the mental stressors on families across the globe.

Using technology as a solution, IABT’s CEO, Dr. Tekemia Dorsey created the NCAA/College Club Virtual Tour to address the pressing needs of parents, families, athletes and those non-athletes with an attempt to reduce health and mental disparities caused during the pandemic while keeping them focused on a brighter future.

“IABT’s NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual Tour will assist in the addressing and reduction, possibly even eliminating the stressors for youth nationwide. The NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual Tour dates are February 1 – February 28, 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 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

I appreciate the opportunity to give more information about my program.

 Brett Franz, Williamette University – Head Coach NCAA Women’s Varsity Triathlon Program

We appreciate being part of this initiative.

Brad Seng – University of Colorado Triathlon Team – Head Coach (NCAA Women’s Varsity Triathlon Program)

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

 It’s my pleasure, Christine, and thank you very much for the opportunity.  Indeed, I am grateful for and inspired by the vision and work of the IABT.

ScottGines, Ed.D. , Director of Athletics Intercollegiate Athletics – Delaware State University

 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 partnerships.

 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)

 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)

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 underrepresented communities.

Bryant Howard, NCAA Women’s Varsity Head Coach Lenoir Rhyne University

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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