Submitted by BMC
Boston's only triathlon, the 2018 Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon, has announced Boston Medical Center (BMC), will be the official charity partner for the event, continuing a partnership that began in 2012.
The opioid epidemic and the rise of substance use disorders is a national public health emergency. BMC providers are working on the front lines of this crisis, treating patients with substance use disorders at the hospital as well as training providers across the country about evidence-based models of care developed at BMC. With the establishment of the Grayken Center for Addiction in 2017, the hospital has been able to expand these programs, create new partnerships, and fund additional research to serve a range of patients with substance use disorders.
In 2017, BMC added the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon to its Team BMC event catalogue, encouraging athletes to sign up and compete for Team BMC. Athletes competing as a member of Team BMC will help fight the opioid epidemic by raising funds for the hospital's adolescent, young adult, and adult addiction programs.
"Helping individuals and their families overcome the disease of addiction is one of the most pressing issues in our community," said Sarah Bagley, MD, director of BMC's CATALYST Clinic for teens and young adults, and former Boston Tri participant. "It is going to take all of us working together to help these individuals, and we're thrilled about the ongoing commitment and support from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and the Boston Triathlon."
Athletes from across the world , around the US and from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will swim, bike, and run through South Boston on July 22, 2018. Now in its tenth year, this unique race begins with a swim in the Boston Harbor, then a bike along the coast and around Castle Island, and finishes with a run through Joe Moakley Park.
"We are proud to work with BMC as our official charity partner for a third year in a row," said Michael O'Neill, president of the Boston Triathlon. "Their addiction programs touch the lives of so many people across the Commonwealth, and the triathlon is a powerful platform to support those struggling with substance use disorders."
Team BMC athletes, who are encouraged to raise a minimum of $750, receive free entry into the 2018 Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon, fundraising help, and access to free training clinics. To learn more about participating in the Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon as part of Team BMC, visit www.teambmctri.org
"As a proud member of Boston's business community, we support BMC in its fight against the opioid epidemic that is affecting the cities and towns in which we work and live," said Ted Truscott, CEO of Columbia Threadneedle Investments. "We encourage athletes and volunteers participating in the 10th annual Boston Triathlon to support this cause directly by joining Team BMC."
The Columbia Threadneedle Investments Boston Triathlon will include both Olympic and sprint distance races. A Kids Day will take place on Saturday, July 21, featuring activities dedicated solely to kids, including the USA Triathlon sanctioned Kids Splash-and-Dash. Registration information is available at BostonTri.com.