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FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. Easton resident Chris Thomas, named 2011 male triathlete of the year by Timex and USA Triathlon Amateur Athlete of the year in 2009, will join forces with ex-New York Knick Allan Houston, Gov. Dannel Malloy and Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia as the chairmen of the 2012 Stamford KIC IT Triathlon. The race is scheduled for July 1.
Thomas has finished first among amateurs in more than 25 triathlons, including Ironman 70.3 Rhode Island from 2008-11 and the Ironman 70.3 Mossman 2011. Thomas, owner of Personal Training Professionals in Southport, also trained New York Giants wide receiver Amani Toomer for the 2010 New York City Marathon.
Recently appointed as the assistant general manager of the Knicks, Houston has been an international ambassador for the NBA, spokesman for the National Fatherhood Initiative, ESPN analyst and burgeoning book author since retiring as a player in 2005.
The Stamford KIC IT Triathlon is an Olympic-distance triathlon, produced by the Hartford Marathon Foundation. It attracts about 600 athletes from around the nation to enjoy a course that includes the shoreline of Long Island Sound, the downtown area and scenic parts of North Stamford.
Having Allan Houston and Chris Thomas, both extraordinary athletes, on board for this race reiterates the excitement and physical challenge of a triathlon and this event in particular,'' race coordinator Jon Stellwagen said. "We know their involvement including Chris participation in the race itself will inspire others to enter and achieve their best. We are excited to have these men join Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy and Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia on our triathlon team.
Athletes are invited to race as individual competitors or relay team members; physically challenged athletes also have participated in prior years. In addition to the Stamford KIC IT Triathlon, a popular childrens event the Stamford KIC IT Kids Triathlon will be June 30 for children ages 7 to 13. This youth event has doubled in size since last years inaugural effort.
Adult and youth athletes interested in learning more about the events and the multitude of training and gear opportunities available to those who fundraise for event beneficiary Kids in Crisis should visit www.kicittriathlon.com for more information and registration.
The Stamford KIC IT Triathlon supports Kids in Crisis, online at www.kidsincrisis.org. The agency is Connecticuts only free, round-the-clock agency providing emergency shelter, crisis counseling and community educational programs for children of all ages and families dealing with a wide range of crises domestic violence, mental health and family problems, substance abuse, economic difficulties and more.
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