Courtesy: USAT

The International Triathlon Union (ITU) Women's Committee has announced that Project Tri-Spirit will be launched in time for the Triathlon World Championships in November. This program gathers new, gently used, and re-useable training gear from those who no longer require it, and ensures it gets into the hands of multi-sport athletes from less-advantaged countries.

The new program will feature a well-coordinated exchange at the ITU Triathlon World Championships on Nov. 9-10 in Cancun, Mexico, as well as an interactive web site (www.tri-spirit.com) that will match donors and recipients based on need. The Committee will oversee the program, but envisions a network of contacts from all member federations around the world to assist. While some details are still being worked out, everything is on schedule for the new program to go in to effect late fall.

Several companies have helped make Project Tri-Spirit possible. Earlier this year, HIND/Saucony donated 15 boxes of unused clothing and equipment. UPS Cargo executives have offered to transport this inventory free of freight and shipping charges to their gateway in Mexico City. A company called MADD has offered to receive the inventory in Mexico City and truck the boxes 1,800 kilometers (approximately 1,115 miles) to Cancun for the physical exchange event at the world championships.

Valerie Ellsworth Gattis, the U.S. representative to the Women's Committee, has led the effort to coordinate Project Tri-Spirit. Those who have helped include Daniel Gattis, who came up with the name; web site manager Sue Falsey; USA Triathlon Board of Directors secretary Karen Buxton; Carol Whipple, chair the USA Triathlon Duathlon Commission; the crew from Louisville, Ky., who spent 16 hours in my airplane hangar in 90 degree heat inventorying HIND's shipment and Tracy Barnes, Diedre Diamond, Karen Steinhauser and Kirby Adams of WHAS TV. From ITU, Pamela Fralick, chair of the Women's Commission, and Nelly Beccera of Mexico have been of great help.

Project Tri-Spirit General Information

Q: What is Project Tri-spirit?

A: A chance to share your good fortune with others; and an opportunity to benefit from the generosity of fellow triathletes and corporate sponsors. The ITU Women's Committee encourages organizations and clubs with excess equipment to donate these goods through the Project's web site (www.Tri-Spirit.com). When organizations and/or athletes need equipment, they will be able to register their requirements on the site. The coordinators of the project will then review offers and needs, and assure the best assignment of resources.

Q: What is needed?

A: The Project needs athletic equipment that is used in triathlon. This includes bicycles and gear, helmets, jackets, wet suits, team uniforms, training equipment and other items used in ITU events.

Q: What is the main objective?

A: This program has been established for all countries and athletes to share equipment. It is a way to connect athletes from different countries. The objective is to promote participation in triathlon and duathlon in those countries where the lack of equipment is a barrier.

Q: How and when will the program work?

A: The project will distribute goods in two ways. Each year, at the world championships, a "hand-to-hand" exchange will be organized. In addition, the web site will allow exchanges to take place throughout the year. This year, an exchange is being organized for the triathlon world championships in Cancun. This is the largest gathering in triathlon with all ITU affiliated countries participating.

Q: Whom should I contact?

A: This is a project of the Women's Committee of the International Triathlon Union. It is being led and coordinated by Committee member Valerie Ellsworth Gattis of the United States. Nelly Becerra of Mexico, a keen supporter of the Women's Committee, shares the coordination effort. They will be in charge of distributing the equipment that has been collected to date, and can be contacted at [email protected] and [email protected].