Sponsorship makes big difference for triathletes
TRIATHLON is not cheap. If you consider running an expensive hobby, then triathlon will shock you.
Take your running shorts and shoes expense, and add the bicycle, cycling shoes and helmet, and the goggles, fins, paddles, snorkel and wetsuit. All of these are just the bare minimum.
Runners will typically pay about R500 to enter the likes of the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon.
Compare that with a half Iron distance race, which is usually about R3 000 for the international branded events.
Do not get me wrong, I am not comparing these, just stating the difference. What is my point then?
My point is that you either have to have deep pockets or be close to someone who does, or better yet be good to a point that sponsors are at least willing to listen to you.
Professionals at the sharp end of this sport are battling to make it from year to year. The expenses related to an international racing calendar are astronomical.
Prize money will hardly get a soccer player out of bed. Why? Quite frankly, I do not know but what I know is that triathlon is fairly small and growing fast. Clearly, big brands have not yet followed suit.
It is not all doom and gloom, though. This past week there were two significant developments.
Jendamark, a local leader in engineering and automation with offices across the globe, decided to step in and support a local star, Kyle Buckingham.
Buckingham spends half a year in South Africa and the rest in the United States training and racing.
Resources can be the make or break in this tough, competitive sport. It is great to see the likes of Jendamark, a successful local outfit, giving back.
Then there is my employer, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA). For all my sins as a triathlete, I got drafted into the Ironman 70.3 World Championship 2018 bidding and hosting technical team.
The MBDA is set up to change spaces, people and systems across the Bay toward creating and supporting an inclusive economy.
We stepped into the triathlon space to try something new, to find and back a handful of athletes for an opportunity to qualify for next year’s event.
We would like to see as many athletes of colour qualify and participate when the city hosts the world championship in September next year.
Our approach took into account all aspects related to an athlete’s development trajectory including the right coaching, nutrition, equipment and race support.
On the way to trying for qualification, the athletes have mini milestone races to test progress.
This past weekend, the MBDA was rewarded when Siyabulela Jabu Mpengesi finished third in his age group at the 5150 Nelson Mandela Bay event.
The festive season is an opportune time for athletes to get in the last bit of training before the major season races but, unfortunately, the roads are busy.
A few months ago a member of our tri-community, Dustin Albert, was hit from behind by a security van while out training, suffering serious injuries. Those who can assist him with medical expenses can visit: www.backabuddy.co.za/support-for-dustin
Let us support one of our own.