RSG! Olympians encourage children to set and meet goals; Olympians to compete in this year’s race
Los Angeles, Calif. - May 1, 2008 –The Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon presented by Herbalife today announced Ready, Set, Gold! (RSG!) as the race’s official charity. The announcement brings together the Southern California Committee for the Olympic Games (SCCOG) that developed the RSG! program, and the Los Angeles Triathlon, an annual event for 8 years.
Ready, Set, Gold! is a legacy program developed by SCCOG to tackle childhood obesity and diabetes in Los Angeles. RSG! draws upon Southern Californian Olympians and Paralympians to motivate youth to set and reach their goals, particularly in the areas of health and fitness. Partnering with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), RSG! matches Olympians with elementary, intermediate and high schools. During the course of the school year, Olympians make several visits to their designated school, working with youth to provide real life examples of how setting goals helped them be successful in sport and in life, and encouraging students to do the same.
“It makes perfect sense for Ready, Set, Gold! to be our Official Charity," said Jack Caress, Los Angeles Triathlon Race Director. "The sport of triathlon has been part of the Olympic movement since the 2000 Games in Sydney and our race has seen several international Olympians enter the field over the past eight years. This is a great opportunity for the LA Triathlon to work with Ready, Set, Gold! to motivate youth, and help promote and grow the Southern California Olympic movement, and the sport of triathlon."
As part of the agreement, the Los Angeles Triathlon will make a $10,000 donation to RSG!, plus a portion of the entry fees -- $25 from individual race entries and $50 from relay entries – will be contributed to the program. Participating Olympians will attend the race to support and, in some cases, compete in individual or relay categories. Additionally, individuals will be able to donate directly through a charity option on Active.com.
“We are grateful to the Los Angeles Triathlon for its commitment to Ready, Set, Gold!,” said Peter Vidmar, chairman of Ready, Set, Gold! “Their support will help to ensure that the program continues to grow and expand by providing the means to work with more schools and Olympians. Teaming up with the Los Angeles Triathlon will also raise awareness of our program in the athletic community and hopefully inspire a whole new generation of Olympic athletes.”
For more information about the Los Angeles Triathlon please visit http://www.latriathlon.com.
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