June 25, 2013

by: Emily Hastings

Be Inspired to Tri! Team UCP Needs YOUR Help at the Cleveland Triathlon!

 

UCP of Greater Cleveland is proud to announce the return of Team UCP at the 27th Annual Cleveland Triathlon! It is our sixth year as the official charity of the triathlon, to be held on August 4, 2013 in Downtown Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor. Team UCP at the Cleveland Triathlon is our biggest fundraising event of the year, and there are many ways YOU can be involved.

RACE!

As a race participant, you will achieve personal satisfaction by reaching your goals while also helping to increase awareness for some of our community’s most vulnerable members – individuals with disabilities. Pacific Sports will make a donation in honor of all Team UCP participants. There are three different distances to choose from, as well as a relay option. There is also a special course for youth to participate in their very own triathlon. Click here to see the full list of options. To register, go to www.active.com/running/cleveland-oh/triathlon-event—cleveland-triathlon-2013 and click on “Register Now.”

FUNDRAISE!

Last year we were able to raise $216,328 with the help and support of people like you. Anyone can fundraise for Team UCP, even if they are not racing. You can create your own fundraising page by logging onto www.active.com/donate/teamucp2013 and clicking on “Become a Fundraiser,” which will give you step by step instructions. You can then include your customized fundraising page in email blasts, on your Facebook page or on any other social media websites. All of your efforts will help bring us one step closer to our fundraising finish line! If you need assistance customizing your fundraising page or developing a fundraising strategy, please do not hesitate to ask us for help. Just email teamucp@ucpcleveland.org with any questions or concerns.

VOLUNTEER!

UCP of Greater Cleveland coordinates the majority of volunteers during the Cleveland Triathlon. Volunteers not only ensure a smooth and successful race, but they also contribute to UCP’s ability to raise funds for services as the Official Charity of the Cleveland Triathlon.  For every volunteer that assists during the race weekend, UCP receives a donation from the race producers.

Watching families participate in the Cleveland Triathlon is one of the most inspirational moments to witness.  Disabilities touch so many people, either through their own personal experience or that of a loved one. Be inspired! Be a part of Team UCP’s success by participating as a volunteer!

An event of this scale takes a huge amount of manpower, and we cannot do it without your help. Volunteers are needed for the following stations:

Goody Bag Stuffing – If you aren’t able to make it on Sunday, but would still like to help, volunteers are needed to stuff racer goody bags on Friday, August 2nd from 5:00 – 8:00pm.

Expo Day – Friendly faces are needed to hand out packets, t-shirts, and goody bags on Saturday, August 3rd from 9:00am –5:00pm.Various shifts are available.

Body Marking – Assist with marking racers with their race number before the race begins.

Directional Posts – Direct racers throughout the race route. Loud, lively people required. Motivating and encouraging racers throughout their race is a vital part of the racer experience!

Fluid Stations – Distribute water at one of the several fluid stations. Keeping racers hydrated is imperative for a safe race!

Transition Area Coordination and Security – Must be strong, good at communicating, and most definitely NOT SHY!

Finish Line Support – Enjoy offering victors congratulations? Then this option is for you!

Youth Race – Assist young racers ages 7-14 who are participating in their very own triathlon!

Athletes – Volunteer athletes are also needed to fill-in legs of the race for family relay teams by swimming, biking or running.

Additional Volunteer Information:

Training will be provided by the Cleveland Triathlon and UCP staff one evening during the week of July 29th – August 2nd.  Additional information will be sent out to all confirmed volunteers closer to the training date.

Corporate groups, networking groups, and youth groups are all welcome to volunteer together. Groupings will be dependent on assignment availability.

Please call Emily Hastings at 216-453-4944 or email teamucp@ucpcleveland.org to sign up to volunteer! Make sure to indicate your volunteer preference and your t-shirt size.

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