As part of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) continued involvement in ITU’s Green Triathlon programme, a press conference was recently successfully received detailing TRAP’s initiative for 2012.

ITU launched the Green Triathlon Initiative in September 2010 and TRAP has been a continued strong supporter, securing a grant for its Green Triathlon Initiatives 2012 from the Olympic Solidarity programme under its ‘2009-2012 Quadrennial Plan for Sports and the Environment’ programme.

TRAP Green Triathlon Initiative 2012 held its first workshop of the year in January with the essential aim of reducing pollution and waste production in triathlon events. This will be followed by further action throughout the year including follow-up workshops, development of a website and full implementation of green plans in triathlon events.

ITU Secretary General Loreen Barnett greatly supports TRAP’s active involvement in the programme.

“As Secretary General of ITU, I would like to congratulate TRAP for being the first national federation to launch the Green Triathlon Initiative,” said Barnett. “TRAP’s Green Triathlon programmes are all aligned with ITU’s general objectives of sustainability, social, economic, and environmental values and we look forward to taking these objectives throughout the world of triathlon.”

TRAP President and ITU Executive Board member, Tom Carrasco is equally enthusiastic about the programme which is also backed by the Philippine Olympic Committee.

“We are very happy with the results and inputs generated from the workshop, it shows that our stakeholders are responding well to our call for more active efforts in supporting our Green Triathlon programme and we are holding two more workshops within the first half of this year to integrate all of the ideas generated into a workable plan.” said Carrasco. 

Support and encouragement was also offered to TRAP by Philippine Senator Pia Cayetano, a triathlete herself.

“I wish to extend my warmest solidarity to the officials and volunteers of TRAP in its Green Triathlon Initiative,” said Cayetano. “The theme of your program which focuses in making triathlon events and races ‘green’ is very appropriate and timely as it underscores the need for making sports events, such as triathlon, environmentally friendly. Through your efforts, you are not only promoting a healthy lifestyle but a clean and liveable environment.”

For more on the ITU’s committment to sustainability, please click here.