IRONMAN New Zealand teams up to tackle Melanoma

M E D I A R E L E A S E

21 October 2013

Attention Editors

IRONMAN New Zealand teams up to tackle Melanoma

IRONMAN New Zealand is backing the Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand as its official charity for the next three years. This is an exciting partnership that also coincides with IRONMAN New Zealand celebrating its 30th anniversary next March.

The Melanoma Foundation is only the second official charity that IRONMAN New Zealand has supported, after backing Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand to raise nearly $1 million for a 10 year period with the event’s support.

IRONMAN New Zealand believes the sport and the event has a wider obligation to the community by way of support for a charity.

“We want to support a charity in which the association can make a real difference,” said IRONMAN New Zealand Event Director, Janette Blyth.

“Our athletes are taking on a major challenge which in many cases is making a significant difference in their lives. For many, IRONMAN is very much a lifestyle choice which is at the core of their health, fitness and well-being.

“There is real synergy with the Melanoma Foundation. An IRONMAN athlete spends up to 600 hours training each year outdoors and mostly under harsh summer conditions. It is important for them to be aware of the high chances of developing Melanoma. We know our athletes will support this charity and spread awareness amongst training partners and family, and simply by its association, may save a life,”

The Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand said the partnership will play a powerful role in raising the awareness of Melanoma in New Zealand, promoting sun safety and the importance of regular skin checks which potentially will save the lives of many in our communities.

“We believe there are strong synergies between IRONMAN New Zealand and the Foundation,” said Chairman, Fred Soar.

“We both exist to make a significant difference to the lives of New Zealanders; we are both working to beat the odds and with perseverance, passion and determination we can both achieve our goals; and we are both dedicated to keeping our shared communities healthy and safe.”

The Foundation supports and encourages the great Kiwi outdoor lifestyle whilst at the same time educating communities on the importance of staying sun safe and sun smart, Mr Soar said.

New Zealand has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world with more than 300 mainly preventable deaths a year.

“Our aim is to educate on Melanoma awareness and reduce the health risk to IRONMAN competitors, families, friends, supporters, spectators and New Zealand as a whole.

“At the end of the day Melanoma does not discriminate. It can affect anyone, at anytime.”

For details: www.ironmannewzealand.com

About the Melanoma Foundation:

The Melanoma Foundation of New Zealand is a registered not-for-profit organisation devoted to issues relating to melanoma. Our mission is to create excellence in the awareness, education, prevention, treatment and research of melanoma in New Zealand.

The foundation receives no government funding so is reliant on fundraising, donations and sponsorship to employ three permanent staff to promote their cause.

New Zealand has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world, and with more than 300 mainly preventable deaths a year, the Foundation is striving to reduce the impact of this terrible disease.

melanoma.org.nz // facebook.com/melanomaFoundationNZ // twitter.com/melanoma_NZ

ENDS

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