July 13, 2009
Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard Teams up with Danskin New England Triathlon
Webster campus ‘official local sponsor’ of summer series
(WEBSTER, Mass. July 13, 2009) - Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard is proud to announce it will be the official local sponsor of the Danskin New England Triathlon, held in Webster on July 26.
The Danskin Triathlon is the largest and longest running women's triathlon series in the world. Each summer, the event comes to Memorial Beach in Webster. The event consists of a half mile swim, a 12-mile bike ride and a 2.9 mile run. This year, the event is sold out at 3,500 athletes.
"On the outside, a triathlon is about strength and physical capability, but it encompasses so much more than that," said Ed Moore, President and CEO of Harrington Hospital. "The Danskin event is about power, perseverance, friendship and triumph. As the dominant and growing healthcare system across Southern Worcester County, we are excited to be a part of one of the greatest events in South Central Massachusetts."
"As the premier women's triathlon series in the country, it is our goal to provide the best possible race experience for our participants including access to cutting-edge resources," said Barb McKeever, Series Director, Danskin Triathlon Series. "The Danskin New England Triathlon is excited to partner with Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard to offer our participants the best medical services from one of the leading healthcare providers in Massachusetts."
As part of its sponsorship, Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard will participate in the Pre-Event Expo, held Saturday, July 25 at the Worcester DCU Center. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., athletes can arrive and pick up their packets and receive information about the race. Dr. Frank Powers, a member of the Hospitalist program at Harrington, will be a featured speaker, giving the women a brief speech on race preparation and injury prevention.
The healthcare system will also be an integral part of race day itself, collaborating with Webster paramedics to provide medical services. Two specialists from Harrington will work with Webster paramedics the day of the race -- John Arsenault, an orthopedic physician's assistant and James Court Stephens, Chief of the Hospitalist program and Interim Chief of the Emergency Department. Both will help care for athletes who seek treatment before, during or after the series.
Since 2004, the official charitable partner of the Danskin Series is the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), which supports top scientists worldwide to conduct advanced breast cancer research. A minimum of 85 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs. The series has raised more than $850,000 to help BCRF end breast cancer.
It is a partnership which is also a primary focus of the Harrington healthcare system.
"We are continually educating and promoting breast health and the importance of early detection awareness," Blaine Schnare, Public Relations and Marketing Manager for Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard. "In addition to providing advanced digital mammography on our campuses, a $14 million cancer center opened three weeks ago in Southbridge, which offers Intensity Modulated and Image-Guided radiation therapy. It is a pleasure to be associated not only with Danskin, but with such a beneficial foundation."
Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard will hold its second Breast Cancer 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, Sept. 27.
About the Danskin Triathlon Series:
Celebrating its 20th Anniversary in 2009, the Danskin Triathlon Series is the largest and longest running women’s triathlon series in the world. Established in 1990 as a part of Danskin’s longstanding commitment to women's health and fitness more than 200,000 women have participated in the series and know first-hand the empowering and life-changing experience that embodies “the Danskin.” The 2009 Series hosts 10 sprint distance triathlons between May and September.