National Multisport Nonprofit Seeks Donors, Sponsors and Partners for its 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives Benefitting Youth

February 5, 2021

Amid the 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 IABT announces its 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives benefitting youth across the nation. In times where hope has been reduced, IABT hopes to instill hope once again for parents, families but mainly youth. With its 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives its going to take a NATION to answer the call. Collaboration versus competition will assist in efforts needed during these uncertain times.

Youth and Juniors from elementary school, middle school, and high school students, non athletes and athletes, from single and multisport background from across the globe will take part and we call on the general public for assistance. We seek to supply in Swag Bags items applicable for 200 youth amid the pandemic. Items that will motivate, inspire, encourage and instill HOPE. Items that will speak to them mentally, emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, socially, academically, and the list continues. In-kind donations, sponsorship, and national partnerships are sought. We aim to raise $15K to purchase items, cover registration and to mail the Swag Bags to participants. Students from single-discipline and multisport backgrounds are highly encouraged to take part in these wonderful initiatives, athletes and non-athletes alike as well.

“A swag bag filled with goodies and an opportunity to take part in any of the IABT’s 2021 TRIAD Initiatives will reduce the change in the number of  student suicides since the covid19 pandemic started; it will encourage more youth to get active, stay fit while reducing health disparities and increasing longevity of life and will incite excitement that has been missing for almost a year, says IABT’s CEO Dr. Tekemia Dorsey”

The reminders of pandemic-driven suffering among students in Clark County, Nev., have come in droves. Since schools shut their doors in March, an early-warning system that monitors students’ mental health episodes has sent more than 3,100 alerts to district officials, raising alarms about suicidal thoughts, possible self-harm or cries for care. By December, 18 students had taken their own lives.

Adolescent suicide during the pandemic cannot conclusively be linked to school closures; national data on suicides in 2020 have yet to be compiled. One study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that the percentage of youth emergency room visits that were for mental health reasons had risen during the pandemic.

In Clark County, 18 suicides over nine months of closure is double the nine the district had the entire previous year, Dr. Jara said. Six students died by suicide between March 16 and June 30; 12 students died by suicide between July 1 and Dec. 31, the district said (Green, Jan 2021, Student Suicide Rates)

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

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

 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 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 initiative.

 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)

 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 Head Coach Lenoir Rhyne University

 Learn more about IABT at www.theiabt.org or email nationa@theiabt.org for more details in making a difference.

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.

###