USAT, Athletes for a Fit Planet Extend Partnership

March 15, 2010 | By Colorado Triathlete

USA Triathlon

March 15, 2010 (Colorado Springs, CO) – USA Triathlon announced today that it has extended its partnership with Athletes for a Fit Planet through 2010, supporting a commitment to implement programs that preserve natural resources and protect the environment via its GoGreen initiative.

An official supplier and USAT GoGreen partner for the second consecutive year, FitPlanet is a leading provider of environmental services to organizers of athletic events across North America, including multisport, running, cycling and walking events.

“USA Triathlon is thrilled to be partnered with FitPlanet once again in 2010,” said USAT CEO Skip Gilbert.

“Environmentally sound practices are important to our membership, and we continually strive to make our national events as sustainable and green as possible. FitPlanet has been an invaluable resource in reaching these goals, and I encourage all race directors to take the FitPlanet Pledge of Sustainability.”

As a key part of this partnership, USAT has taken FitPlanet’s Pledge of Sustainability for the 2010 Age Group, Elite and Sprint National Championship in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Other event directors can follow suit and gain access to the FitPlanet Resource Center that includes an online how-to manual for greening their event, a green business directory, access to a monthly webcast and other useful resources that enable them to cost-effectively green their events.

To qualify to display the Pledge of Sustainability logo on the race website, a race director must agree to implement a minimum of nine out of 26 possible criteria. Similar to USAT’s Age Group, Elite and Sprint National Championship events, races that meet the criteria will be listed in FitPlanet’s Green Events Directory, which provides athletes with detailed information about the race including the specific criteria the event organizer has pledged to implement.

“FitPlanet is excited to be partnering with USAT again this year to provide both race directors and triathletes with resources and information for creating more sustainable events,” said Bruce Rayner, chief green officer at Athletes for a Fit Planet.

“The fact that the USAT has taken the Pledge of Sustainability for the 2010 Age Group, Elite and Sprint National Championship in Tuscaloosa this September is testament to its commitment to environmental responsibility.”