Giving Tuesday is December 1, 2020 in Omaha, however, you can start giving now! The IHJ Board, participating girls and volunteers want to thank you for your support and donation. Without a giving community and your donation, we could not impact and serve these young ladies. Please encourage others to support our cause as we prepare to make a safe environment and program this coming Summer!
Published by USA Triathlon
She never thought she could do it. A triathlon, that is. She knew she was a decent swimmer, and she knew how to ride a bike. She eventually took up running so she could complete a marathon, and ultimately found herself here, on the start line of a triathlon.
Erin Sullivan inspires others to take part in triathlon. She delights in sharing that feeling of possibility with those around her, so they can take on new challenges and achieve their goals.
That’s how Erin has always been. Of all the races in which she’s competed, the ones she enjoys the most are when she’s racing with a new triathlete — staying alongside them through the whole course, regardless of the finishing place or time.
She watches as members of the Omaha, Nebraska-based Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club — a free program for girls ages 8-14 — cross the finish line of a local race. She’s elated for these kids, proud of the positive impact she’s had on their lives as a volunteer. Her heart swells when she thinks about their journey; how many of them could never have imagined completing a triathlon before they were offered the training, resources and support to do so.
Erin often looks back on the athletes who have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to accomplish a goal: The person who was afraid of water and just swam his first 25 yards in a pool, or the person who never imagined riding a bike more than once around the block who just completed her first 10-mile ride. It’s a reminder for Erin that we all build each other up, and that you never know who you may be inspiring each time you step out the door to swim, bike or run.
She smiles as she reminiscences, hoping she can continue to inspire the kids, race volunteers and parents for years to come.
Here are a few things to remember as you participate in the IHJ Virtual Scavenger Hunt:
Here’s the list – remember, your goal is to have fun and find at least 5 but try for all 7:
We miss you. We miss our weekly sessions. We miss your wonderful t-shirts and your smiles and your awesomeness.
We hope that you are getting outside and practicing your biking and running (and swimming if you can). We just could not let the summer pass without having an event. An event that does not require any special equipment. You can all do it. We are calling our event: The Ironhawk Juniors Virtual Scavenger Hunt
If you have not already signed up for our Scavenger Hunt, you still have time. The Hunt officially begins this Friday, August 7. The deadline to register is Wednesday, August 5. You can register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T35WXG2
A few of the IHJ girls are taking triathlon into their own hands amid the pandemic.
Chloe participated in a triathlon event in Ankeny, IA. Chloe is 9 years old and has quite a few more years with IHJ!
Finnley & Abbie are two other IHJ athletes and decided to create their own triathlon – Summer Fun Triathlon. Finnley mapped a route, swimming the lake and bike/run the neighborhood in Plattsmouth. She emailed participants, collected registrations, gathered all the supplies and even made medals!! The event had about 20 participants, as well as neighbor volunteers. It was open to all ages, even her toddler sister participated.
These three young ladies did not have the option to participate in the IHJ program due to COVID-19, but they found a way to inspire others and stay active in running, biking and swimming. Way to turn a negative into a positive gals!!
IHJ is very proud of you all and all of our girls who are practicing their running, biking, and/or swimming. We cannot wait to see you next year!
The Ironhawk Juniors Board has decided to cancel the 2020 Season due to the current pandemic. We are saddened to cancel the 2020 season but it’s the right thing to do to help get our community back on track. We are staying hopeful though and currently planning an awesome end of summer event. Stay healthy and active and we will send more communication soon!!
Please see the full letter below:
The store is back open! The store will be open until 4/30/2020. All orders will be shipped via USPS. Get your gear now by clicking HERE!
Hello IHJ Athletes, Parents, Volunteers, Supporters-
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and the Douglas County Health Department, we are forced to cancel the bike and swim lessons originally scheduled for April and May. We are saddened we won’t get to help with these lessons, but your safety and well-being are the priorities of the Ironhawk Juniors Tri Club. We are also going to put registration on hold for now, as we wait to learn more from local, state and national health leaders. We hope you are finding ways to stay active! We will post any important information here and on our website. Don’t forget to wash your hands and practice social distancing!! #bekind #empoweringgirlsthrutriathlon #bebrave
The Ironhawk Juniors Triathlon Club team store is now open! With new designs for the 2020 season, click here to purchase fun gear. Orders must be made by March 30. All orders will be picked up by Ironhawk staff and handed out at the Parent’s Meeting (on May 21).
For those who may need extra help at this time, the Omaha community has many resources for parents and children. Below are some of those resources:
Together Omaha
Project Hope Food Pantry
St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry
Omaha Public Schools – Meals
MUD / OPPD
State Farm Offers Free Sack Lunches
Youth Emergency Services Outreach Center
Ironhawk Juniors 