Triathlon Ireland Announce Diabetes Ireland As First Official Charity Partner

Triathlon Ireland is the National Governing Body for the sport of triathlon, aquathlon and duathlon in Ireland. Triathlon is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide and that growth is mirrored in Ireland where membership is up by over 800% since 2005. Membership is once again on the rise in 2013 with numbers expected to top 8000 this season.

"We feel our charity partnership with Diabetes Ireland is the perfect match. It is well documented that a healthy, active lifestyle can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. If triathlon can be an avenue for more people to stay fit and active than we are achieving one of our major objectives. Our network of over 80 clubs are always delighted to welcome new members and there are numerous 'try a tri' events aimed at those new to the sport, so there are plenty of opportunities for those looking to dip their toe in some swim, bike and run action." commented Triathlon Ireland Development Officer, Scott Graham.

Since 1967, Diabetes Ireland is the national charity dedicated to helping people with diabetes. It achieves this by providing support, education and motivation to all people affected by diabetes. The organisation also raises public awareness of diabetes and its symptoms and funds Irish based research into finding a cure for diabetes.

Diabetes Ireland CEO Kieran O'Leary said, "This announcement is great news for Diabetes Ireland as we embark on a new phase in our development and growth. We are moving to new head offices next month which will be accompanied by the opening of our own Diabetes Screening Service Clinic and funds raised through this partnership which will be ring-fenced to aid fit out costs of this new clinic".

Triathlon Ireland will be encouraging their members and participants to wear the purple jersey of TEAM Diabetes Ireland and fundraise for the charity in one of a number of focused triathlons across the year, these include but not limited to TriAthy, Triathlone and Dublin City Triathlon. Both parties will also have a strong presence on each other's websites in addition to cross promotion across social media and digital newsletters.

Triathlon Ireland's Chris Kitchen commented, "As the recently appointed CEO of Triathlon Ireland I look forward to attending as many events as possible this season and seeing the presence of Team Diabetes athletes around the country. All of the funds raised go to a very worthy cause helping those affected by Diabetes along with raising awareness and funding research into a cure."

As part of the partnership a special reduced introductory membership rate to Diabetes Ireland will be offered to all Triathlon Ireland Members and their immediate family. Membership of Diabetes Ireland provides many benefits, both educational and financial to the Diabetes Community and their families.

Diabetes Ireland Brand Partnerships & Events Manager Gary Brady said, "We have just recently announced our first TEAM Diabetes Ireland ambassadors which include Limerick professional cyclist Stephen Clancy who has Type1 Diabetes and is a member of Team NovoNordisk (All members have Type 1 Diabetes) on the international circuit and he will be writing online blogs to include cycling tips and techniques which we hope will be beneficial to triathletes through this link up as well as holding a cycling training clinic later in the summer. Hopefully this announcement is just the first of a number of such sporting partnerships over the coming years for us here at Diabetes Ireland."

Stephen Clancy is currently racing in the USA so was unable to make the launch.