08 Aug Volunteerism grant money available for Ironman 70.3 Lake Placid race
Lake Placid, adirondacks usa – The inaugural Ironman 70.3 race in Lake Placid is only weeks away, but officials have announced that volunteer opportunities are still available, including those for local nonprofit charities to qualify for Ironman Foundation grants.
The Ironman 70.3 event will take place on September 10, 2017, with athletes traversing one lap of the swim, bike and run course, instead of the two laps required in the full Ironman Lake Placid held each July. The race will take place between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.
“This race is a terrific opportunity for volunteers to both raise money for their favorite charity, and to contribute to the success of this first-time event,” said Sue Cameron, Ironman volunteer director and events manager for the Lake Placid-based Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. “Volunteering for an Ironman race can be life changing for many. It is both inspiring as well as an opportunity to help the community, the athletes and meet great new friends. On top of all that, it’s a really fun way to spend all or part of the day. Who knows? You may be inspired enough to take the plunge and race yourself next year.”
Just like the full-distance race, the Ironman 70.3 depends upon a large pool of volunteers. And though it represents a shorter time commitment than the longer race in July, the 70.3 also offers grant funding for volunteer groups that support the event.
Each year, the Ironman Foundation accepts grant applications from nonprofit groups with a volunteerism component from all of their U.S. race communities. Since 2003, the Foundation has supported a variety of Adirondack community efforts at various levels, such as awarding a grant to purchase an off-road ATV for the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department, and refurbishing the tennis courts in Lake Placid. The Foundation has also funded the Uihlein Ironman Sports Fund with more than $125,000 to distribute locally.
Typically, nonprofit groups select one volunteer ‘station’ for their group to manage or to provide a contingent of volunteers for during the race. Cameron notes that there are still some fun volunteer assignments available this year for both individuals and groups.
“Charities do not necessarily have to have 501c3 status,” added Cameron. “We welcome new volunteer groups of 20 or more people to raise funds for their cause, whether it is a boy or girl scout troop, a college club, or raising funds to cover travel expenses for a high school sports team, to name just a few. There are many other organizations that could qualify for grant funds. If you give us a call, we can let you know if your group would qualify.”
The Ironman Foundation was established in 2003 as a way to leave a legacy behind in communities where Ironman events take place. Since its inception, the Ironman Foundation has given over $1.5 million to support community funds in the Lake Placid region, and grant applications are welcome from qualified organizations from throughout the Northeast.
Groups interested in applying for Ironman Foundation grants should contact Sue Cameron at sue@roostadk.com for more information. Individuals interested in volunteering for this year’s Ironman 70.3 can sign up for available positions online at: http://bit.ly/IMLP70_3.
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Media contact:
Kim Rielly, director of communications
Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism
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