Belonging & Access
We recognize our sport has not been living up to the American ideals of equal opportunity and access.
USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation are dedicated to combating discrimination, challenging inequalities and championing social justice in the multisport community and throughout the endurance sports industry.
Belonging and Access in Action:
One of the main barriers to entry in multisport are the expenses associated with the sport. The Together We Thrive Team in partnership with the USA Triathlon Foundation are excited to launch two new grants to begin the process of eliminating this barrier. The Community Impact and Endeavor-Tri Grants are highlighted here:
Community Impact Grant:
- Organizations with a proven history in Belonging & Access
- These organizations have existing programs and are looking to take their work to the next level and have even bigger impact
- These are organizations that have been in existence for 3 or more years
Endeavor-Tri Grant:
- Organizations that want to “Tri” something new to help others gain access to multisport!
- Organizations with a solid idea and detailed plan to launch an initiative to enhance belonging & access impact within their existing organization
- New organizations with a detailed plan and purpose of growing Belonging & Access in Triathlon
We believe that you all are the experts of your communities and are doing the hard work to create access to this sport we all love. USAT and USA Triathlon Foundation want to come alongside organizations doing this incredible work in not only a financial sense but also as a partner in providing other resources that you might need as you grow your multisport organizations and reach more people who may not have had access to this sport before.
To apply for a grant, visit the USA Triathlon Foundation website!
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Tri Together: Grants for Smashing Sport Barriers! #TogetherWeThrive
USAT Foundation and The Together We Thrive Team are excited to launch 2 grants to eliminate barriers in Multisport: The Community Impact and Endeavor-Tri Grants!
Apply Now
What does Belonging & Access mean?#
Diversity
USA Triathlon is striving to create a community reflective of the diversity of the United States. Areas of focus include gender, sexual, ethnic, racial, body, age, and socioeconomic diversity.
Equity
USA Triathlon is committed to ensuring fair treatment and equal access within the multisport community for both athletes and industry professionals.
Inclusion
USA Triathlon is committed to fostering a community that is welcoming to all individuals. Triathlon is a sport for everyone and we want to ensure that every athlete feels welcome in all areas of the sport.
Access
USA Triathlon is dedicated to breaking down barriers of entry and increasing the availability and presence of triathlon in all communities.
USA Triathlon's Belonging & Access Principles#
USA Triathlon is dedicated to fostering a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. We will...
- Ensure, welcome and safe participation for the underserved and underrepresented within USA Triathlon Certified Clubs and at USA Triathlon owned and sanctioned events.
- Encourage the multisport community to actively combat racism and discrimination.
- Align USA Triathlon and the USA Triathlon Foundation's strategic plans to reflect Belonging & Access efforts and initiatives.
- Maintain Belonging & Access at the forefront of the sport through inclusion in all programs and initiatives.
USA Triathlon will support and encourage the multisport community to drive actionable change at the grassroots level. We will...
- Foster transformational conversations in local communities.
- Provide tools and share best practices with coaches, races directors, clubs, athletes, volunteers, officials, brands, retailers and others in the multisport community.
- Spotlight individuals and organizations across the country that are furthering Belonging & Access efforts in innovative and creative ways.
USA Triathlon is devoted to breaking through barriers of entry by providing education, resources and opportunities. We will...
- Develop and implement systems and structures to create clear pathways for everyone to discover and enjoy triathlon.
- Enable underrepresented members of the multisport community to pursue leadership positions within the sport.
- Create developmental opportunities throughout the sport.
USA Triathlon is committed to building a future for the sport that all people can see themselves being a part of. We will...
- Develop and distribute promotional materials and marketing campaigns that include underrepresented individuals, groups, business and organizations.
- Provide a forum for athletes of all backgrounds to share their experiences.
- Utilize engaging content and impactful storytelling to highlight the impact Belonging & Access efforts have on the individual sport.
Ways to Get Involved#
Make Your Voice Heard
Join the Conversation, opens in a new tabGet involved in USAT's Belonging & Access efforts and help make an impact in your community
Share The Positivity
Celebrate Your Community, opens in a new tabTell us about individuals and organizations doing great things in your community
Support The Effort
Make A Financial Commitment, opens in a new tabProceeds will be invested back in to the multisport community to fund Belonging & Access efforts
Resources#
Celebrate Juneteenth with USA Triathlon
Learn More (PDF), opens in a new tabJuneteenth (short for "June Nineteenth") is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. Learn more about the history of Juneteenth and how you can celebrate.
Sport is a Human Right
Learn MoreAt USA Triathlon, we believe that access to sport is a human right. We recognize the positive impact sport has on living a happy and healthy life, and we believe it must be accessible and inclusive to all. We do not tolerate discrimination of any form toward anyone in our community.
Making A Difference In Our Communities
Get To Know ThemThese individuals and organizations are helping multisport become more accessible through informative, innovative, and creative methods.
Tools To Empower You To Be A Difference Maker
Learn MoreThese resources will give you knowledge, understanding, and ability to help combat discrimination and champion social justice and inclusion.
USA Triathlon Belonging & Access Accomplishments and Initiatives #
- Increasing diversity within USA Triathlon Board of Directors
- Indoor Triathlons on Military Bases
- Women's Only and LGBTQ+ Focused Club Databases
- Endurance Exchange Scholarship Program
- USA Triathlon Membership Deferments for Active Military
- USA Triathlon Transgender Participation Policy and Gender Non-Binary Participation Policy
- Triathlon Business International Women's (TBIW) Mentorship Program
- Spanish Language Coaching and Race Director Certifications
- USA Triathlon Foundation Pillar Grant Program
- Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) Engagement Initiative
- USA Triathlon Women's Committee
- Every Woman Vote Virtual Challenge
- Leadership Pathways for Underrepresented Individuals
- Tri for Change Program
