Second annual “Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change” Summit, a Free Virtual Learning Experience, Scheduled for Nov. 5-7

October 26, 2021

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

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The second annual “Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change” Summit, a free virtual event open to the entire multisport community, is scheduled for Nov. 5-7.

The Summit will explore topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion and access (DEIA) in multisport — with a focus on presenting actionable ideas that athletes, club leaders, coaches, race directors, officials and other multisport enthusiasts and industry professionals can implement at the local level to effect change. Registration is open until the Summit begins; to register, click here.

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 Summit will feature 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.

Featured speakers include:

• Monica Garrison, founder of Black Girls Do Bike
• Chris Mosier, founder of Transathlete.com
• Clarice Chastang Lorenzini, professional triathlete and coach
• Nia Obetette, award winning author of “I Am a Triathlete”
• Sara Gross, PhD, IRONMAN champion, founder and CEO of Feisty Media
• Sadé Smith, Daemen University Women’s Collegiate triathlete
• Reggie Waller, USA Triathlon Certified Coach

Several panels and Q&As with multisport leaders will cover topics including creating a diverse and inclusive club environment; women in multisport; LGBTQIA+ allyship; and paratriathlon engagement and inclusion. The Summit will cover USA Triathlon’s approach to DEIA, including organizational updates from Rocky Harris, USA Triathlon CEO, and Megan Ritch, USA Triathlon Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Manager.

“There is a strong desire from many in the multisport community to help build a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and access in multisport, but it is hard to know where and how to start. Often, change starts with conversations. With listening. With learning,” Ritch said. “The ‘Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change’ Summit brings together these incredible speakers and panelists from the multisport community who are driving that culture change. By hearing their stories, their challenges and their successes, attendees can learn, start a dialogue and come away with tangible ideas and best practices to implement action in their own local communities.”

The specific schedule for each day of the Summit will be announced as finalized. Coaches and race directors can earn one Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per session attended and exam taken. All sessions will be recorded.

Additionally, Perspective Fitwear is running a limited-edition Together, We Thrive line in conjunction with the Summit. To shop the Perspective Fitwear Together, We Thrive collection, visit here.

The “Together, We Thrive: Actions for Change” Summit 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.

Together, We Thrive Initiative

Launched in August 2020 with the goal of integrating diversity, equity, inclusion and access into all areas of USA Triathlon’s business and community, the Together, We Thrive initiative is centered around four principles that serve as guideposts for future decision-making and programming at USA Triathlon: Inclusivity Starts with Us, A Community Focus, Accessibility & Impact, and Representation Matters. The Together, We Thrive initiative involved the formation of a DEIA Advisory Council, consistent DEIA messaging sent to all constituent groups, the launch of the Sport is a Human Right campaign, roundtable discussions, accessible grassroots programs to grow the sport, scholarship opportunities and on-site activations at USA Triathlon National Championship events.

Earlier this month, the Together, We Thrive initiative was awarded by the Olympic & Paralympic Committee as the recipient of its annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Choice Award, the fourth time USA Triathlon has been honored by the USOPC for its diversity and inclusion efforts since 2017.

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, paratriathlon, and indoor and virtual multisport events in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,000 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 World Triathlon Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of World Triathlon and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

– usatriathlon.org –