The Ironman Foundation announced its Race For Change Scholarship aimed to support individuals from underrepresented communities who have the desire to participate in an IM or IM 70.3 race. Up to three Race For Change Scholarships, each valued up to $10,000 USD, will be awarded for the 2024 North American race season. Recipients will receive coaching, race entries, select triathlon and training equipment, travel, lodging, and more.
The Race For Change Scholarship was established to support those from underrepresented communities who are interested in triathlon, but may not have access. The Race for Change Scholarship invites individuals from all backgrounds, including people of color, individuals with disabilities, those from under-resourced populations, and more to apply. Applications will be accepted through Thursday, February 29, 2024. For those interested in applying, visit https://ironmanfoundation.org/raceforchange_scholarship/.
“We recognize that access and how to get started can be barriers to the sport of triathlon,” shared Shane Facteau, Chief Operating Officer of The IM Group and President of The IM Foundation. “Through the Race For Change Scholarship program we want to help remove barriers and welcome more diverse individuals into the sport as we collectively empower the next generation of great competitors, coaches, and history-makers.”
Sika Henry, the United States first Black female professional triathlete, will also return as a Race For Change ambassador in 2024. She will continue to work with The Ironman Foundation to identify and remove participation barriers within the sport of triathlon that impact Black and other diverse athlete groups and develop community outreach engagements in conjunction with Race For Change programming.
“I am honored to continue my role as an ambassador for the IM Foundation’s Race For Change initiative. From the launch of Race For Change relays to increasing the number of free swim lessons and bike giveaways, each year we look for ways to make the sport more accessible to underrepresented groups. I have learned from my own journey as a triathlete that cost is one of the biggest barriers to entry. Offering three $10,000 Race For Change Scholarships is a great way to offset some of the challenges that come along with entering the sport. I’m really looking forward to seeing the impact that this new program has in 2024.”
In 2020, with the mission to support diversity and inclusiveness for athletes and first-time hopefuls in the sport of triathlon and the communities where they live, train and race, The IRONMAN Foundation and The Ironman Group launched the Race For Change program with an initial pledge of $1 million of support. Since then, the program has evolved working to remove barriers to entry, while also creating opportunities for further inclusivity.
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