Hy-Vee, Pinky Swear Foundation Announce 2016 Kids Triathlon Dates

PRESS RELEASE WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (April 25, 2016) — Today, Hy-Vee, Inc. announced it is once again partnering with the Pinky Swear Foundation, a national charitable organization that supports children with cancer and their families, to host six kids triathlon fundraising events across the Midwest this summer. For the second year in a row, this unique partnership will bring Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons to Omaha, Des Moines, Kansas City, Minneapolis and the Quad Cities.

Instead of focusing on competition, children at all fitness levels are encouraged to participate in the swim, bike and run events to help raise money for kids with cancer and their families. In many cases, the money raised provides basic needs, such as mortgage and rent, transportation, utilities, gas cards and food, to impacted families. According to the Pinky Swear Foundation, a child is diagnosed with cancer every 45 minutes in the United States and 1 out of 11 families given that news will file for bankruptcy.

“We are proud to once again partner with the Pinky Swear Foundation to highlight our commitment to health and wellness while also giving back to our communities,” said Ryan Grant, director of sports marketing for Hy-Vee. “The dedication that Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlon participants put into their fundraising and athletic efforts is truly inspiring.”

In 2015, more than 1,900 athletes participated in five events, raising more than $330,000 to help 110 families in need. This year, a sixth event has been added to accommodate increased participation in the Minneapolis area.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with Hy-Vee to bring fun and accessible triathlons to cities in Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota,” said Brian Nelson, executive director of the Pinky Swear Foundation. “I am proud of the work we’ve done so far and will be doing in engaging kids in these communities to help other kids. We look forward to working with Hy-Vee to serve hundreds of additional children with cancer and their families.”

2016 Event Schedule:

July 9 — University of Nebraska — Omaha, Omaha, NE

July 23 — Raccoon River Park, Des Moines, IA

July 31 — Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

Aug. 6 — Lake Nokomis, Minneapolis, MN

Aug. 13 — Bettendorf YMCA, Bettendorf, IA

Aug. 20 — Lake Ann, Chanhassen, MN

Register now to participate in one of the Hy-Vee Pinky Swear Kids Triathlons atwww.pinkyswear.org/hy-vee.