All the News That’s Fit

4.14.08 — Athletes for a Fit Planet is pleased to announce that Chief Green Officer Bruce Rayner is participating in the recently formed USA Triathlon Sustainability Task Force.

USA Triathlon, which has over 100,000 athlete members and is the sanctioning body for over 2,000 triathlons in the US annually, announced the formation of the four-member Sustainability Task Force in the spring issue of USA Triathlon Life. The Sustainability Task Force is led by Kathy Matejka, USAT’s Director of Event Services. In addition to FitPlanet’s Rayner, the Task Force includes Jeff Henderson, USAT-Certified Race Director and co-founder of the Council for Responsible Sport, and Jay Udelhoven, USAT member and Senior Policy Advisor for The Nature Conservancy.

The Sustainability Task Force will assess and consider USAT’s strategic position and plan for supporting race venue environmental impact and sustainability, according to Matejka. “We will lay the foundation for a broader strategy by the federation’s constituents to address this key issue that becomes more important with each passing day,” she added.

“USA Triathlon is taking a leadership role in addressing the issue of environmental responsibility,” said FitPlanet’s Rayner. “Because of its large and growing membership base and its strong relationships with the triathlon racing community, USA Triathlon can have a profound impact on the awareness and practices of race organizers, athletes, and all multisport stakeholders,” said Rayner.

USA Triathlon is the sanctioning authority for more than 2,000 diverse events ranging from grassroots to high-profile races nationwide. The organization works to create interest and participation in a variety of programs including camps, clinics, races and educational opportunities.

USAT’s 100,000-strong membership is comprised of athletes of all ages, coaches, officials, parents and fans striving together to strengthen multisport. The sactioning body’s mission is to provide excellence in leadership, structure and education for the growth and development of the sport. USAT’s vision is to set the standard of excellence as a world leader in the sport by promoting a healthy lifestyle and encouraging participation and achievement.