| Media |
| Overview: In its short 3-year history, the MiracleKids Triathlon in Chanhassen, MN has attracted more kids to the sport of triathlon in just 3 races (1600 total) than any other triathlon in America. For 2007, the Big News is the addition of a second major race being added at Lake Nokomis Beach in Minneapolis on July 21 . The goal for Minneapolis is to become the first kids triathlon in America to have 1000 Finishers . The Flagship race returns to Chanhassen on August 18. |
| What: a swim, bike, run race for kids, ages
7-17 |
| When:Miracle Kids West - Saturday August 18th, Lake Ann Park, Chanhassen, 8 AM Start |
| Why: The numbers of children who are sedentary, overweight, inactive, and at risk for childhood diabetes or heart disease are at all-time highs. The only real solutions are at the grass roots level with events that get kids moving and opens their eyes to the joy of life-long exercise. |
| Governor's Fitness Challenge: The MiracleKids Triathlon has been recognized as the official youth event in Governor Tim Pawlenty's "Fitness Challenge" program. |
| Title Sponsor: For the second year, Minnesota's own, Cargill, Inc. is the title presenting sponsor, joined by many other sponsor organizations including Medica, Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota, Ridgeview Medical Center and Coca Cola also supporting the movement. |
| Expected Field Size: 1500 Kids between both races. |
| Purpose: To create a world-class and challenging event to help kids get fit, gain confidence, and learn the value of giving back (kids are given the opportunity to raise pledges benefiting the Miracles of Mitch Foundation). |
| The Cause: Before Mitchell Chepokas lost his life to cancer on April 11, 2003, the 9 year-old boy had anonymously given away his own money to other cancer kids whose families were struggling. Mitch's last request was a "Pinky Swear" with his dad, Steve, to promise that his parents would continue to support cancer kids and their families. Inspired by Mitch's example, many friends, family and community leaders have joined forces to build a foundation that now provides financial assistance to families with kids battling cancer. The MiracleKids Triathlon has become the major fund-raising event for the Miracles of Mitch Foundation. |
| Perfect Partnership: The race was formed when triathleteTony Schiller heard about the foundation Steve Chepokas had started in the memory of his son Mitch. Tony wanted to help get kids excercising by introducing kthem to the sport he loved and Steve wanted a fund-raiser to build around a local youth event. They embraced a partnership and have grown the event from just over 300 kids in the first race on August 22,2004 to a summer-long fitness challenge for kids that now attracts 1500 Minnesota kids to participatein one of these two big Twin Cities triathlons for kids. The MiracleKids has become the biggest fundraiser for the foundation with a goal of raising over $250,000 in 2007. |
| Theme: "Kids Racing for Kids Who Can't" is the inspiration of the race as each kid races with the first name of another child on their leg representing a kid with cancer. |
| Race Creator and Director: Tony Schiller, 5-time master's world champion triathlete and winner of over 75 career triathlons. When not racing or directing the MiracleKids, Tony is a corporate motivational speaker. |
For interviews or race parking and press credentials, contact Tony Schiller:
Ph. 952-474-3278 | Fax: 952-474-4527 | E-mail: ts@tonyschiller.com |
| Cargill Contact: Mike LeSage: Ph. 612-889-1125 | E-Mail: mike_lesage@cargill.com |
For Miracles of Mitch Foundation information/interviews, contact:
Executive Director: Karen Fernow , Ph. 952-361-9600 | E-Mail: karen@miraclesofmitch.org |
| Chairman: Steve Chepokas, Ph. 949-2663 | E-Mail: schepokas@mchsi.com |
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