Although I'd love to see the financial statements from event organizers to find out actual costs, I think Triathlon Canada President Stephen Holmes does a pretty good job of explaining where those costs are going. Putting on a race of that magnitude is expensive, but still too much for me to think of participating.
Check out the response below. It was sent to the president of the Ontario Association of Triathletes.
May 23, 2008
Ontario Association of Triathetes
1185 Eglinton Avenue EastSuite 304Toronto, OntarioM3C 3C6
Dear Sirs:
Re: Letter dated May 13, 2008 – World Olympic Triathlon Championship
Thank you for your letter and the concerns which you expressed therein. I can personally assure you that we are trying to provide the best experience reasonably possible for our athletes based upon budget and other constraints. The more feedback that we can get back from the athletes, the more we can improve our services and respond to athletes’ demands. In fact, our Chairman of Age Group Committee did a survey of athletes in regard to satisfaction of services and demands. Further, I have participated or attended at the last three (3) World Triathlon Olympic Triathlon/Sprint Championships, as well as a World Duathlon Championship. As such, I am very familiar with services rendered, uniforms and concerns.
Team Fee
A concern of our athletes was the level of services which were being provided to them as compared to other countries. For example, lack of bicycle mechanics, doctors, physiotherapists and sufficient managers and coaches. We responded to that need and for the last four (4) years have charged a fee of approximately $120.00 which was raised to $125.00 last year. We also strived to provide a consistent level of services for all age group teams. In regard to fees, it is our goal to break even over the years but at the same time provide consistent service while taking into consideration all costs.
Race Entry Fee
We appreciate your concern over the $300.00 fee. We also expressed this concern to the International Triathlon Union. I have learned that the actual cost of the event is $625.00 per athlete and there will be no surplus. I do know that it will be an extraordinary event, including the pre and post events. Regrettably, the cost of putting on an event in a metropolitan area is expensive. I can discuss with you in detail how the costs arise. In any event, this is a matter which is beyond our control. We have also heard rumours that the fee for Australia will be in excess of $400.00.
Uniforms
As you may recall, in our board meeting in Saskatoon, which you attended, this was a topic of discussion. Various designs were presented and it was voted upon, unanimously, that we would require the athletes to put together a consistent uniform package. As the host nation it is important that we provide the appropriate image. Our athletes are representing Canada and must be dressed appropriately. In the past we have often not been good ambassadors and have had a mixed variety of uniforms. Secondly, the biggest complaint that we have had from our age group athletes is the quality of the uniforms. Further, we have sold out consistently in regard to clothing. At the Fall, 2007 meeting, as you may recall, we discussed the price and the value which were provided. I have been assured that these are unique items which we are selling well below retail value. Our actual profit is $35.00 which is for the purpose of dealing with the administration of ordering, shipping and packing. In fact, we will lose money in regard to this matter. I do agree that the amount could have been communicated better and we will strive to improve this matter, however, this is not a “cash grab”. We strive to negotiate the best uniforms and values for our athletes.
I am concerned that athletes may not have been aware of the additional uniform cost at the time they signed up because this matter had not been unanimously passed by the Board. As such, if this additional cost caused them not to be able to participate I will bring it up with out Executive to see if there can be alternatives.
Accommodation
In addition, official hotels were negotiated with team rates for all age group athletes at the World Championships in 2008. This included Vancouver, Italy and Holland. Our past experience in regard to travel arrangements in Canada has shown us that age group athletes prefer to make their own travel arrangements, however, we did have travel packages for long distance and duathlon teams.
Management
I strongly disagree that management is disorganized at World Championships. You, as an excellent manager, know that this is not true. Again, I attended at the World Championships and know that it is not true. We have excellent people who volunteer and work very hard to provide the best possible service. While there will always be isolated incidents, we will continue to strive to provide the best services to our athletes.
We have set consistent policies as to the number of managers based upon the number of athletes attending, as well as duties and responsibilities. We require reports from our managers and evaluate performance.
Communications
I have contacted our office and have been assured that they had been sensitive and have tried to address all athlete concerns. We are aware that we will not be able to satisfy all concerns, however, I will personally review the matters to see if there can be any additional concessions. We are very sensitive to age group athletes. They are very important to us but however we do not have a lot of staff, nor sponsors in regard to age group teams. Sport Canada gives limited, if any, funds which we can use towards age group matters. Again, I recommend that if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to telephone me so that we can deal with them immediately. I will, again, be in touch shortly in regard to the possibility of reimbursement.
I understand that your letter was sent to all OAT members, as well as PGB. I would appreciate it if you would also pass along my letter.
I will be in touch in regard to these matters.
Yours very truly,
“Stephen D. Holmes"
Per: Stephen D. Holmes, President
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