2nd Annual Pinky Swear Foundation Kids Triathlon taking place Saturday, June 4 at Ingersoll Rand

Kids will race to raise money for kids with cancer and their families

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (June 1, 2016) – Charlotte, North Carolina will host the Second Annual Pinky Swear Kids Triathlon on Saturday, June 4 at the Ingersoll Rand corporate campus in Davidson, North Carolina. Pinky Swear Foundation supports kids with cancer and their families by paying for immediate non-medical needs like mortgages, rent, utility bills, and food. Funds raised by participants will help children with pediatric cancer and their families nationwide, and in the greater Charlotte area, based on their needs.

Up to 300 participants ages 6-18 years old will swim, bike and run in the non-timed, non-competitive event. Oversized, custom finisher medals and complimentary snacks will be waiting at the finish line, along with an anticipated 1,000+ fans and spectators. A Race Village will be open throughout the morning with a large sponsor expo, DJ, and other family-friendly entertainment.

“We’re thrilled to have some of the kids with cancer we’ve been able to support in the past coming to participate this year,” stated Brian Nelson, Executive Director. “Nothing is more inspiring than watching these philanthropic athletes meet their peers that they’ve been fundraising for.”

With over 200 kids and 60 volunteers already registered, the event will enable kids to be the stars of the show, while they learn about civic responsibility and community involvement. Now through August 20, fundraising teams or individuals can earn fun incentives for levels beginning at $100, all while making a difference in the life of real kids and families who are going through a health and financial crisis.

WHAT	Ages 6-10: Swim 100 Yards, Bike 3 Miles, Run 1/2 Mile Ages 11-18: Swim 200 Yards, Bike 4.5 Miles, Run 1 Mile
WHEN	Saturday, June 4, 2016
WHERE	Ingersoll Rand, 800 Beaty St., Davidson, NC 28036

EVENT SCHEDULE

6:30 am Packet Pick-up and Transition Area opens

8:30 am Transition Area closes; will re-open after the last participant has finished

8:35 am Athlete Procession and opening ceremony

9:00 am Triathlon begins with first participant in the water

*** MEDIA INSTRUCTIONS ***

• Please arrive at the event before 7:00 am for complete access.
• After 8:00 am no one will be able to leave the Ingersoll Rand campus until the event is complete.
• Enter Ingersoll Rand campus along Beaty Street for parking instructions.
• See Site Map for detailed race course.
• No media credentials are required.
• The procession of athletes at 8:35 am is one of the most compelling moments of the event. During the processional, participants will walk toward the starting area carrying photos of the “All-Star” child with cancer they are racing on behalf of. In lieu of race numbers, participants will have All-Star names marked on their arms or legs.
• Contact Sue Ratcliff at 704.808.0123 for media assistance, including access to Pinky Swear staff or All-Star families, on the day of the event.

In 2016, Pinky Swear Foundation Kids Triathlons will be held in other major markets including Des Moines, Omaha, Quad Cities, and Kansas City, with the largest races taking place for it’s thirteenth year in the Pinky Swear hometown of Chanhassen and Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2015, the Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons attracted a total of 2,200+ participants and raised over $1,131,000 for Pinky Swear Foundation.

The Pinky Swear Story

Pinky Swear Foundation was founded in honor of Mitch Chepokas, who lost his battle to bone cancer in 2003. In December 2002, 9-year-old Mitch overheard his pediatric oncology ward neighbors stressed about money for Christmas gifts, and generously decided to give away his savings – $6,000 – to other kids fighting cancer. After sneaking envelopes of cash under doors and on nightstands, Mitch told his dad it was the most fun he’d ever had, and he wanted to do it again the following year. With a terminal prognosis, his dad had to tell Mitch the truth: that he wouldn’t be around the following Christmas. That’s when Mitch made his dad, Steve, ‘pinky swear promise’ to continue to help families with kids with cancer even after he was gone. To date, over $11 million has been given to brave kids battling cancer in 40+ states.

Pediatric Cancer Facts

• One child is diagnosed with pediatric cancer every 45 minutes
• The average age of diagnosis is 6 years’ old
• The average length of treatment is 2 years
• The average family will spend 25% of its disposable income on non-medical related expenses associated with the treatment of their child
• One in 11 families with a child diagnosed with cancer will file for bankruptcy
• Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children under the age of 15 in the U.S.

About Pinky Swear Foundation

Founded in 2003, The Pinky Swear Foundation is a 501c(3) not-for-profit passionately committed to helping children with cancer and their families by being fanatically responsive to the immediate crisis facing families with a childhood cancer diagnosis. Pinky Swear Foundation activities include the world’s largest kids fundraising triathlon series, National Pinky Swear Day on December 11, and other community engagement events around the nation. Visit www.pinkyswear.org for more information.

Media Contact

Sue Ratcliff, Community Development Representative
Pinky Swear Foundation
Mobile 704.808.0123
sue.ratcliff@pinkyswear.org