Courtesy: USAT

USA Triathlon has announced a stipend opportunity for first-time race directors who put on multi-sport races in new venues.

The point of this new program is to offer tangible support to new and emerging race directors who create more multi-sport events and help alleviate the congestion at bigger races.

Race directors can qualify for up to $500 over and above the grants already described within the 2003 USA Triathlon sanctioning packet. To be eligible, a race must meet criteria points 1-6 below, and also some of the remaining criteria 7-12. Please submit a short proposal outlining how you will meet the following criteria outlined for the 2003 USA Triathlon Growth Initiative Stipend program:

MANDATORY CRITERIA:
1. First-time race director (not already a part of current race management team)
2. Minimum number of race participants will be 150
Note: The above criteria are also common to race directors who are seeking a one-time grant as described within the 2003 USA Triathlon sanctioning packet.

The criteria below are separate conditions that may warrant a second or separate grant from USA Triathlon.
3. New and different venue
4. Accept a target of finding 25 new USAT annual members
5. The race is "new," meaning it was not put on in the previous year
6. Must host a multi-sport race; this does not include camps or clinics.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION CRITERIA:
7. A marketing plan that would give publicity to USAT.
8. Special consideration for events encouraging membership growth and/or extending grass-roots programs by targeting collegiate, physically challenged, youth, women or other special- interest groups. The race may also be a fundraiser for a specific charity or foundation.
9. Race director is a sole proprietor (RD owns the event).
10. Donating part of the proceeds to a tax deductible qualified organization
11. Prize money is being offered to pro/elite athletes.
12. Creative and different formats, such as Formula 1, stage races, etc.

For further information, contact Steve Locke at (719) 597-9090, ext. 102 or by e-mail at [email protected].