For the first time in the IRONMAN South African history a slot for the IRONMAN® World Championship will be made available by way of lucky draw, all for charity.
Only 75 tickets are available for this once off lucky draw for the ultimate IRONMAN challenge at the World Championship this year on 14 October 2017.
This slot has kindly been donated by Standard Bank, the title sponsor for all South African IRONMAN events, and all proceeds will go directly to the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust charity trust.
"While IRONMAN is rightly associated with endurance, the event is also about community. That's why, in an effort to give back to society while also offering the opportunity of a lifetime to test sporting ability and mental resolve, Standard Bank offers one Kailua-Kona slot as a lucky draw," says Hazel Chimhandamba, Head of Sponsorship, Standard Bank. “Traditionally, most participants qualify for the World Championship by earning a place at one of the full-distance qualifiers, or through the IRONMAN Legacy and Lottery Programmes. This is simply the fourth, philanthropic method, and all proceeds will go to the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust, a non-profit organisation that is improving the lives of children throughout 19 charities in South Africa."
Gary Stephenson, the IRONMAN 4 the Kidz Charity Trust co-founder, reacted to the news saying the trustees are excited about the prospect of raising much needed additional funds for the beneficiaries of this Trust.
“Many thanks to Standard Bank for making this sought after entry slot for the Kona World Championships available for the charity to raffle.
“Ironman 4 the Kidz is extremely excited with the prospect of raising some much needed additional funds for our beneficiaries via this initiative. This rare opportunity to win a trip to Kona is made even more irresistible by the fact that the monies donated will go towards assisting the amazing institutions that the charity supports.
“An added bonus is that the charity is registered and can offer tax deduction certificates for the contributions,” Stephenson concluded.
Paul Wolff, IRONMAN South Africa Director Operations, also regards this lucky draw as a dream come true for any triathlete. “Being a triathlete myself, I understand the value of being able to participate at the level of IRONMAN World Championship.
“This is a massive opportunity for any triathlete who wants to race and experience the best of what IRONMAN has to offer. The IRONMAN World Championship brings together the toughest and best triathletes and is guaranteed to be a highlight, if not the highlight, of any triathlete’s career.
“The winner of this slot will undoubtedly be challenged beyond measure, but at the same time be able up their game to the next level and have a huge advantage for any future triathlon across the world,” Wolff said.
Situated on the Hawaiian island of Kona, the IRONMAN started out in 1977 as a way to challenge athletes who had seen success at endurance swimming, running and cycling. Judy and John Collins,
co-founders of IRONMAN, combined three of the toughest endurance sports into one event. The challenge was simple: "Swim 2.4 miles! Bike 112 miles! Run 26.2 miles! Brag for the rest of your life!"
On 18 February 1978, a total of 15 athletes came to Waikiki to take on the first IRONMAN challenge. Two years later the event was moved from Waikiki to the Big Island of Hawaii, at Kona, which still hosts the very best of triathletes during the IRONMAN World Championships each year.
For the next two weeks an opportunity to be part of the most elite group from the IRONMAN world, will be made available by way of lucky draw.
Go online to buy your tickets and stand a chance to win an entry to the IRONMAN World Championship Kona, at www.ironman4thekids.com
Ticket sales are now open, and will close at midnight on 6 June 2017. The lucky draw will be streamed live on Facebook at the IRONMAN South Africa Facebook page on 9 June 2017, at 13:00.
