Posted: March 22, 2005

Triathlon: Long Distance Triathlon World Championships

Elite Team Member, Dr. Julie Curwin spokesperson for Dignitas International at Long Distance Triathlon World Champs. Age group spots still available.

15 March, 2005 – Toronto – Here is your chance to compete against the world’s best triathletes – while supporting HIV/AIDS treatment and care efforts in Africa.

For the second consecutive year, Triathlon Canada is reserving a limited number of age group spots for Canadians wanting to race against the best this summer.

For an entry fee of $1,500, Dignitas International will provide entrants with a charitable tax receipt of $1,000 and an age group spot for the 4km swim, 120km bike, 30km run Triathlon World Championships to be held in Fredericia, Denmark, on August 7.

Proceeds will go to Dignitas International, a Canadian medical humanitarian non-governmental organization, founded by international health and research experts in response to the global HIV/AIDS pandemic. National elite team member Dr. Julie Curwin of Nova Scotia will act as spokesperson for Dignitas International.

“This gives Dignitas International an opportunity to further raise awareness for the great work they are doing,” says Dr. Curwin, named to the Canadian 2005 National Team for Long Distance Triathlon. “Furthermore, it will raise the profile of our national team and long distance triathlon in Canada.”

Dignitas International is committed to restoring dignity to the lives of children, youth and families in the developing world affected by HIV/AIDS through the provision of community-based care, which includes treatment with life-saving antiretroviral therapy, education and prevention.

Currently, Dignitas International is treating patients in the Zomba District of Malawi, one of the worst affected regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Dignitas International works in partnership with St. Michael’s Hospital and in collaboration with the Centre for International Health at the University of Toronto

The deadline for registering is May 16. Entries will be released on a “first come, first serve” basis. Full payment is required to secure entry spot. Some age groups have limited spots available.

Athletes are responsible for their own uniform, flight and accommodation. A Travel Package Option is also available upon request.

To register, or for more information, please contact Scott Simpson at scott.simpson@dignitasinternational.org or 416-651-2177.

Further information about the medical humanitarian work of Dignitas International can be found at www.dignitasinternational.org.

Information about Triathlon Canada can be found at www.triathloncanada.com.