Challenge Wanaka today announced a partnership with Wanaka First National to become sponsor of the event's Volunteer Programme and support the hundreds of volunteers.
The Wanaka First National Volunteer Programme is a crucial element of staging the successful event and requires over 600 people from across the region and further afield to generously give up their time to assist the athletes as they swim, bike and run around the 226km course.
Wanaka First National Office Manager, Dean Orton, said when considering its sponsorship options Wanaka First National felt Challenge Wanaka encapsulated the spirit and nature of Wanaka and the volunteers deserved their support. "It is fantastic to see the town get behind this iconic event and the team at Wanaka First National are delighted to help encourage their participation and the local athletes who take part," he said.
The team at Wanaka First National is not new to the event with three staff members taking part in the last event and all will be returning for next year's event.
"We're delighted to welcome aboard Wanaka First National," said Challenge Wanaka race director. "It's great to see a local business's support grow from participation as athletes to a major sponsor and it highlights the significant place Challenge Wanaka has in the community."
Registration to become a volunteer is now open via a form on the Challenge Wanaka website or at Wanaka First National's offices at 24 Dungarvon Street. All volunteers receive a free Wanaka First National volunteer T-shirt, race pack and a ticket to the Wanaka First National Volunteers' Party on Sunday January 16 where the winning athletes will be on hand to tell volunteers about their race, hand out spot prizes and show appreciation for all the hard work.
Wanaka First National covers all sectors of the Wanaka real estate market including Luggate, Lake Hawea and Albert Town – areas which are included in the Challenge Wanaka course. The company has been in operation in Wanaka since 2007 and is part of the nation-wide First National chain, one of New Zealand's largest real estate groups.
The next Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival takes place on 9-15 January 2011 featuring junior, sprint and half events as well as the flagship Challenge Wanaka event with up to 1,500 athletes. For further information on the event visit www.challenge-wanaka.com or for buying and selling houses in the Wanaka region visit www.wanakafirstnational.co.nz.
