The International Association of Black Triathletes Use Innovation & Technology to Assist Youth

February 4, 2021

with its 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives

Baltimore, MD. – The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) is a national humanitarian nonprofit dedicated to providing advancement for urban youth and communities they represent through the sport of triathlon by being a gateway to reduce academic and health disparities and to increase opportunities for collegiate studies, internships, and economic development. The IABT announces its 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives for elementary school, middle school, high school and college-bound students. Students from single-discipline and multisport backgrounds are highly encouraged to take part in these wonderful initiatives, athletes and non-athletes alike as well.

From the comfort of their own homes, youth can take part in activities such as swim, bike and run to get them active and engaged. Due to the covid10 pandemic restrictions and the cancellation of recreation and school sports for now, parents are unsure how to get students from in front of their computers. Childhood obesity and mental health concerns remain on the rise as a result. Parents need via solutions. IABT’s NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual Combine provides a solution to these concerns and more. Its FREE!

From the comfort of their own homes, IABT’s NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual Tour closes the gap with sports, sports programming and academics faced by youth and parents while providing viable solutions at the same time. 2020 placed a halt on finances, travel, college exploration, navigation and connection, social opportunities and future hope for students and families.  Parents are unable to travel and explore college campuses and speak to admission officers while learning ways to reduce financial constraints due to the covid19 pandemic. Students remain leery of their future with online learning going into its second year and the return to the classroom is nowhere in sight. These issues alone have increased the mental stressors on families across the globe. Its’ FREE!

From the comfort of their own homes and with an opportunity to involve siblings/friends/families while increasing teamwork, leadership, communication, and physical activity, youth ages 6-17 years old can take part in IABT’s Nationwide Youth & Junior Virtual Triathlon event. Getting healthy and active while competing against their best self allow youth to have fun, reduce stress and receive AWESOME Swag Bags filled with rewards for a dynamic achievement awaits them.

Using technology as a solution, IABT’s CEO, Dr. Tekemia Dorsey creates three initiatives focused on youth across the globe that takes place in the comfort of their own homes and designed to get them active, reducing the increase health and mental disparities caused during the pandemic while keeping them focused on a brighter future.

These 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives are by far the most aggressive project I have taken on and my first nationwide set of campaigns however as a leader in the endurance (sport), leadership, education and youth industries it is my requirement to make a difference even in uncertain times. Someone did it for me and now I must continue to push forward using innovation and technology to do the same, says, Dr. Tekemia Dorsey.

IABT’s 2021 Nationwide TRIAD Initiatives:

1. Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club VIRTUAL COMBINE (Ages 12 – 17 years old) – FREE
2. Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club VIRTUAL TOUR (Ages 12 – 17 years old) – FREE
3. Nationwide Youth & Junior VIRTUAL TRIATHLON (Ages 6 – 17 years) -Small Fee

Sports teach lessons and promote life-long health. Triathlon is a sport for anyone and everyone. It’s inclusive, but still growing which is why it’s important to have initiatives put on by IABT such as the TRIAD via the NCAA & Collegiate Club Combine, Virtual Tour, and Virtual Triathlon to teach and grow the sport of triathlon. Triathlon taught me how to get the most out of myself, learn from my mistakes, and create healthy life-long habits. I hope others can learn from and stay healthy through triathlon.

Gwen Jorgensen – 2016 Olympic Gold Medalist

Our youth is our future — we aspire to keep them happy, motivated and inspired along the way to greatness! IABT’s Nationwide NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE event connects youth prospects while enriching their lives and keeping their dreams alive! 

 Meredith B. Kessler – Professional Triathlete

First as a mother, then as a coach, I believe that we need to be using our resources to fuel the youth of today, so that they can discover their authentic selves to build a better society for tomorrow.  With this initiative, we have the opportunity to impact diverse groups by getting them plugged into opportunities that otherwise might not be available.  Through sport, we can positively impact confidence and keep the motivational flame burning.  I’m excited to be a partner!

Christina Roberts, Owner–Enflyte, LLC, NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member

 The NCAA & Collegiate Club Virtual Tour is an incredible opportunity to expand the NCAA Combine experience to a more broad and diverse group of kids who previously might not have had the chance to showcase their skills. By removing geographic and financial barriers, the IABT has effectively leveled the playing field of the NCAA Combine experience, ensuring that the best talent has access to the best college coaches and programs, and has the ability to change the lives of thousands of young athletes.                                                                                                      

Derek Fitzgerald, CEO & Founder at IronHeart Technologies, NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member

 Not much tops the satisfaction one feels when guiding youth down the path of success.  This is especially the case for those who are underserved and underrepresented.

 The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT) in conjunction with the NCAA provide opportunities to experience the sport of triathlon inclusively and equitably.  Most of all, the youth participants have a clear path to post-high school education.

 The attributes of good character such as respect, responsibility, confidence, optimism, courage and integrity (to name a few), are important both on and off the field of play.  What better way to build upon this foundation for underserved and underrepresented youth than through the IABT and NCAA partnership.

Carol A. Coram, Ed.D., NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member, USA Triathlon athlete and official, USAT Foundation Ambassador, USAT Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Advisory Council (Member)

 I am truly looking forward to the NCAA/ Virtual Combine hosted by IABT! As an educator, swimming coach, mentor, and father; I am excited for youth across the Nation to have a first-class experience as they embark upon this tremendous opportunity. 

 Even before the Pandemic, our society was faced with athletic, gender, racial, and financial disparities that have forced youth to have low self=esteem, and underperformance in several areas of their lives.  

 This Virtual Combine offers an opportunity for youth and parents to learn, grow, and push themselves further than they could ever imagine. 

 MarlonTurner, Swimming Coach/ Educator, NCAA/Collegiate Club Virtual COMBINE Committee Member

 We are excited about this new opportunity that Dr. Dorsey and the International Association of Black Triathletes, Inc. has developed for urban youth. The tour will serve as an incredible platform for introducing urban youth to opportunities to race at the NCAA and collegiate club level. Dr. Dorsey is a trailblazer for diversity in the multisport community. She has already impacted the lives of hundreds of urban youth through triathlon and we at USA Triathlon look forward to witnessing the impact of this new program.

Rocky Harris, CEO, USA Triathlon (Colorado)

Helping young people connect with a wide variety of opportunities is critical to creating bridges to future success.  For schools hoping to create access for diverse populations this can serve as an introduction to under represented communities

Bryant Howard, NCAA Women’s Varsity Head Coach Lenoir Rhyne University

I think that’s a great idea. I also think that would be able to open the minds of people who are not able to see beyond the Maryland or Baltimore region.

Joy Farley – IABT Junior Multisport Club TRI Parent (Maryland)

 Learn more about IABT at www.theiabt.org

About The International Association of Black Triathletes (IABT)

 IABT is the only International African American and Women Owned National Non-profit Humanitarian Charitable organization in the multisport industry, headquartered in Baltimore, MD. IABT Multisport Racing is the only African American and Women Owned Multisport Racing Company in the country.

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