Major Gift Helps USA Triathlon, USA Triathlon Foundation Launch USA Kids Tri Phoenix Program

USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation today announced the launch of USA Kids Tri Phoenix, the next program of the USA Kids Tri initiative. Supported by the USA Triathlon Foundation, USA Kids Tri is a part of the organization’s continued efforts to work alongside local events, race directors, coaches and clubs across the country that are increasing triathlon and multisport opportunities and access for current and prospective youth athletes. 
 
The USA Kids Tri Phoenix program is made possible through a donation from Tridave LLC, led by longtime triathlete Dave Alexander. Tridave's philanthropy will help introduce the sport and its lifelong health benefits to youth in the Phoenix area and provide five years of support for coaches, school outreach, training programs and event entry fees for Phoenix-area youth getting involved with triathlon.

“Dave's passion for the sport is unmatched. Through his commitment and philanthropy, he is opening pathways for more youth athletes to get involved with the healthy lifestyle of multisport,” said Gabe Cagwin, President of the USA Triathlon Foundation and USA Triathlon’s Chief Advancement Officer. “The incredible impact this gift will have on youth athletes and the future of triathlon will be felt for years to come.”

“Triathlon is a terrific sport that has done so much for me over the years. I’ve always said if I can do a triathlon, I can do anything,” said Dave Alexander. “Getting kids involved in triathlon will expand their life. The sport will expand their athletic and mental capacity. It is an amazing sport with a wonderful community and the work the USA Triathlon Foundation is doing is just terrific.”
 
As part of the USA Kids Tri Phoenix Program, USA Triathlon will partner with Special Olympics and USA Triathlon race directors to host youth triathlon races in the Phoenix area over the next five years. USA Kids Tri Phoenix will also partner with local YMCAs and Boys & Girls Clubs to offer triathlon programming by engaging with local USA Triathlon Certified coaches, clubs, race directors and athletes. 



USA Kids Tri Phoenix is the third program of the USA Kids Tri initiative, which is comprised of four core elements: Introduce multisport in an established setting and format, elevate community connections to provide best-in-class resources, bolster existing race formats with proven records of success, and enable kids from low-to-moderate income households to engage with the sport in a way that works for them and their families. 


All USA Kids Tri programs include free USA Triathlon Youth Annual Memberships for participating kids, educational resources, structured time for kids to connect with youth-centric coaches and clubs or other practice opportunities and the chance to compete at local youth races. 

Community members and multisport leaders who are interested in supporting the USA Kids Tri program can support the program by making a donation to the USA Triathlon Foundation. Race directors, coaches, club leaders, athletes and brands who want to get involved with USA Kids Tri programming by starting, supporting or sponsoring youth programs and initiatives in their respective communities are encouraged to reach out to the USA Triathlon Foundation at youth@usatriathlon.org or go to usakidstri.org to learn more.