i-tri is a goal-based empowerment program for middle school girls through the sport of triathlon. i-tri girls learn to believe in themselves, and that can change everything. Along the journey to the finish line of a youth distance triathlon, i-tri girls discover that they are capable, strong and brave. They make connections that show them that while they are unique, they’re definitely not alone. Side by side, with new friends, i-tri girls learn to go inward to find their own strengths and to help others find theirs. i-tri girls are not triathletes. Rather, it uses the sport of triathlon to give them a goal that is seemingly impossible, that is overwhelming and scary. And then they are given the physical, mental and emotional tools to achieve that goal. 

 

i-tri partners with 13 school districts from Montauk to Mastic to deliver our internationally acclaimed program to girls that can benefit the most. All equipment, training and transportation are provided for free to every girl because i tri believes personal circumstances should not hold any girl back from reaching her potential. That makes i-tri different. It isn’t about where you come from. It’s about where you are going.

 

 

COVID

 

While other in-person afterschool programs put their programming on hold in 2020 and 2021, i-tri recognized the need for “connection” and immediately pivoted to virtual programming. Their participants were still able to meet (via Zoom) twice a week with their peers for empowerment sessions, fun fitness sessions and Saturday training sessions where they trained together for an “Olympic Challenge” based on the strength training and cardio endurance needed to complete a triathlon.

 

i-tri has always promised their girls and families that they would do “whatever it takes” to assure that the girls would be able to successfully complete a triathlon. That used to mean, providing transportation, sports bras or feminine hygiene products. During the pandemic it has meant providing emergency food assistance and additional mental health supports.

 

This year, anticipating the far reaching mental health and trauma-related impacts that the pandemic will have (and is having) on adolescents, they will be partnering with The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport to provide Trauma-Informed Coaching Training (TIC) to the entire organization (Board and Staff), and will be hosting a community event to introduce the concepts of TIC to school administrators, athletic directors and youth sport coordinators from the 13 school districts they presently serve.