 |
Triathlon New Zealand today welcomed leading life insurance company Sovereign to the sport, as naming rights partner to the Sovereign Tri Series, alongside associate sponsor dot kiwi.
In making the announcement, Triathlon New Zealand confirmed dates, venues, race options and new innovations for a refreshed six-event Sovereign Tri Series in iconic locations around New Zealand.
The Sovereign Tri Series hosts events in Mount Maunganui, Wanaka, Kinloch, Takapuna, Wellington and Christchurch, while Auckland will host the Sovereign National Standard Distance Championships as part of the Barfoot and Thompson World Triathlon Series event in late March.
Triathlon NZ CEO Craig Waugh says the news is fantastic for the sport and for those who want to 'have a go'.
"We are delighted to welcome Sovereign to the sport of triathlon and to announce the Sovereign Tri Series for the years to come. In Sovereign the sport of triathlon has found a partner with the like-minded goal of improving the health of New Zealanders through a more active lifestyle. The sport of triathlon offers many different events and distances to cater for all New Zealanders, regardless of age, background and ability – there will be an event in the Sovereign Tri Series for every New Zealander's capability to realistically aim to participate in and reap huge rewards as a result."
Sovereign CEO Symon Brewis-Weston says the event is an opportunity for all New Zealanders to take charge of their health.
"Sovereign is committed to helping Kiwis have a healthy and happy life. We know it is hard to find the time to exercise, but the Sovereign Tri Series provides options for all fitness and experience levels, making it accessible to everyone. It's also a great way to get outside and exercise with friends or, with events throughout the country, take the opportunity to see new parts of New Zealand," says Sovereign CEO Symon Brewis-Weston. "I am leading by example, having signed up to compete in the Takapuna triathlon on February 13, 2015 and I'm encouraging as many Sovereign staff members as possible to do the same."
Brewis-Weston has also issued a challenge to CEOs across New Zealand to join him on the start line and has pledged $25,000 to the charity of choice for the CEO who encourages the most of his or her staff to participate.
"The more business leaders we get involved, the stronger the signal we send to New Zealanders to take charge of their health," says Brewis-Weston.
The Sovereign Tri Series also sees a return to Wanaka in a stand-alone event on the old Challenge Wanaka date in January (Challenge has moved to February) featuring the South Island Standard Distance Championships, and a 'fat-tyre (mountain bike) Triathlon' option with an easy off road trail ride and run to complement the stunning Central Otago surroundings.
Christchurch also stays on the calendar for the South Islanders and those wishing to travel from the North, but with a focus on Duathlon with the April event serving as the primary selection race for the ITU Duathlon World Championships in Adelaide later in the year (sprint and standard) and the ITU Long Distance Duathlon Champs.
Other events in the Sovereign Tri Series are the iconic Tinman at Mount Maunganui, the Sovereign National Sprint Champs at Kinloch (incorporating the Erin Baker Standard Distance event), a standard distance event in Wellington (incorporating fun and corporate events and the Paratri National Championships) and the fascinating prospect of a Twilight Tri in Takapuna, with the elites setting off at dusk in a race that takes in the bars and restaurants along Hurstmere Road.
Entries for all events are open now at sovereigntriseries.kiwi with early bird pricing available.
Features of the Sovereign Tri Series include:
- Fun Triathlons at all events – easily achieved distances for all who wish to participate, including children
- CEO Challenge – led by Sovereign's Symon Brewis-Weston to engage the business community and inspire New Zealanders to exercise. As an added incentive, Sovereign will make a $25,000 donation to the charity of choice for the CEO who encourages the most of his/her staff to participate. The CEO Challenge has already been accepted by three other prominent CEO's.
- Corporate Triathlon at all events except Wanaka and Kinloch – to engage the business community, includes coaching/mentoring support direct to businesses
- National Championship events – for sprint, paratriathlon, standard (at the Auckland WTS event) – to appeal to serious and competitive age groupers
- Elite races – to showcase the best talent in New Zealand and from around the world
