Greetings and welcome to the first ever ITU Multisport World Championships Festival in Penticton
I’m thrilled to welcome Penticton to the first time ever ITU Multisport World Championships Festival. This is a historical moment in ITU history and for the city of Penticton, as it is a first for this type of event, consisting of five World Championships being hosted in the one place, over 10 exciting days. This is a start of a legacy that will be handed over to Fyn, Denmark, to host the next Multisport World Championships Festival in 2018.
The Festival is widely considered as a highly beneficial event for athletes and spectators alike, as up until now, athletes participating in multiple events, would have to travel to each individual competition. Multisport World Championships Festival provides the convenience of five exciting events, hosted in one fantastic location, over 10 thrilling days of triathlon in various formats.
The international significance of Penticton 2017 means the region will welcome thousands of talented athletes, excited spectators, media and members of the global triathlon family, and I am thrilled to welcome you all to this beautiful city and its surrounding landmarks.
In addition to the aquathlon, aquabike, duathlon, cross triathlon and long distance triathlon World Championship races, participants will have the chance to enjoy concerts, an athletes village, street dance, race expo, parade of nations, kids races and awards presentations, all of these events adding to the overall atmosphere of the festival.
The spectator friendly courses in the heart of the city, and in the beachfront of Okanagan Lake and the Okanagan Lake Park, will feature a variety of terrain and include some of the area’s many vistas, wineries and landmarks, as well the downtown area, with a stadium finish at each race. A perfect scenario for friends and families to cheer for their loved ones and enjoy the passion of triathlon live.
As the glorious Penticton overlooks the horizon, the vibrant city provides a picturesque backdrop for these events during an excellent 10 days of family-friendly sports action for its citizens. After all, triathlon is a sport anyone can do regardless of age or gender.
I would like to thank Triathlon Canada, the Local Organising Committee and the city of Penticton, as well as sponsors and volunteers, for helping to put this fantastic event together.
Enjoy the beautiful city of Penticton and the spectacle of ITU Triathlon. We will offer you thrilling races and a warm atmosphere, perfect to enjoy triathlon.
Sincerely,
Marisol Casado
President, International Triathlon Union
IOC Member