In the wake of the recent disasters in Japan, Mike Trees, who has raced for both the Japanese and British elite triathlon teams, has started a charity to benefit the people of Kamaishi – one of the port towns hit hardest by the tsunami.
We’ll hand you over to Mike, a man who has been in the tri industry for 25 years, to talk you through his project…
“I’m in the unusual position of having raced for both the Japanese and British Elite triathlon teams. I won the Kamaishi Triathlon five times between 1992 and 2004.
As I am bilingual and my wife and children are Japanese, I think I am in a unique position to help Japan and, in particular, the town of Kamaishi, where I still cannot get in touch with many of my friends.
Kamaishi has held an International Triathlon for the past 22 years. On Friday 11 March, when the tsunami hit, it was literally washed away.
It is no exaggeration to say that Japan is now gripped by its worst disaster since WWII. Earthquakes, tsunami and nuclear radioactivity fears.
I’m registering a charity, tri4Japan. Our website has our initial mission statement is on, please read it on www.tri4japan.com.
Our mission is…
To go to Japan in April (if safe to do) and outline a project to help. I want to film the visit, as the town is now, in disparate need for help.
Work with the local authorities on a project until competition, such as building a home for orphans of the tsunami
Ultimately, after the rebuilding, help to set up another international triathlon but bigger than before!
Fundraising methods
Make and sell Tri4Japan T-shirts
Franchise the logo to put on other event T-shirts
Organise, swim, bike run events
Add a donation button onto various websites
Corporate donations
Big Triathlon Ebay Auction
