Posted: January 22, 2005

Triathlon: Phuket Tsunami Recovery On-Line Auction Begins

The Phuket Tsunami Recovery Auction, created by the Friends of Laguna Phuket Triathlon to assist Phuket, Thailand recover from the recent Tsunami, is open. The auction features a wide variety of signed memorabilia from multi-sport legends Lori Bowden, Simon Lessing, Ian Adamson, Scott Tinley, Greg Welch, Craig Alexander, and others. Also featured are new, state-of-the-art multi-sport products and personal coaching sessions by such legends as Mike Pigg and Karen Smyers. For those not lucky enough to get into sold-out 2005 Ironman North America events, entries for Ironman races in Arizona, Coeur d’ Alene, USA Lake Placid, Canada, Wisconsin and Florida are up for auction.

The Auction can be viewed at www.phukettsunami.cmarket.com . Bidding on all items will end at 9pm USA Eastern time on February 21st. Items for the Auction will be accepted until mid-February. To donate an item, please see the contact information below.

Proceeds from the Auction will directly benefit the Phuket Tsunami Recovery Fund, created by the Laguna Phuket Resort, the host of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon. Miraculously spared from the major devastation caused by the tsunami on December 26th, Laguna Phuket is able to focus on providing assistance to help local tsunami victims rebuild their shattered lives, from repairing damaged homes and community facilities to regaining their means of livelihood and mental well-being. The Fund is somewhat unique in that it targets the recovery of livelihood (longer-term benefit) instead of relief supplies (short term) such as food and clothing. For additional information browse: www.lagunaphuket.com/tsunamifund .

The Fund’s direct beneficiaries are the community that has whole-heartedly supported the Laguna Phuket Triathlon since its inception in 1994.

The most vital element in Phuket’s recovery is the rebuilding of its tourism industry. Toward this important end, Laguna Phuket Resorts will again sponsor and host the 12th Annual Laguna Phuket Triathlon on December 4th. Entry information will be available at www.lagunaphuket.com/triathlon and www.active.com .

The Friends of the Laguna Phuket Triathlon is a cooperation of such diverse organizations as PCH Sports, Active.com, CytoSport, Slowtwitch.com, De Soto Sport, Profile Design, Multisports.com, Ironman North America and many others. The auction is powered by cMarket of Cambridge, Massachusetts. To donate items please contact Shannon Delaney at LPTFund@aol.com .

Direct cash contributions to the fund can be made through the following link: www.active.com/donate/PhuketTsunami.

The PCH Sports website is at: PCHSports.com.