The International Triathlon Union is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation.

The Laureus Foundation is the charitable arm of the Laureus World Sports Academy - a unique association of 46 of the greatest living sports legends, including Edwin Moses, Boris Becker, Dawn Fraser, Cathy Freeman and Steve Waugh, who use the power of sport to improve young lives and bring about social change.

The partnership further reinforces ITU’s commitment to develop the sport among the world’s youth. For at least the next two seasons Laureus will be the official Global Charity Partner of the ITU.

ITU is excited to launch the 2010 Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series on 11th April in Sydney, the city that hosted the inaugural Olympic Games triathlon in 2000. The new partnership agreement will add even more excitement to the season’s opening event with the presence of sporting legend and Laureus World Sports Academy Chairman Edwin Moses, and Layne Beachley, a member of the Laureus Friends & Ambassadors programme. They will announce details of the exciting new partnership between Laureus and ITU.

An official launch of the series unveiling the specifics of the agreement will take place at a press conference on Friday, 9th April in Sydney, two days ahead of the season’s opening race. ITU President and IOC member, Marisol Casado will also be attending along with Kristina Keneally, Premier of New South Wales, and top ITU athletes including 2000 Olympic champion Simon Whitfield (CAN), 2008 Olympic Champions Emma Snowsill (AUS) and Jan Frodeno (GER) will talk about their expectations for the 2010 season.

Marisol Casado, President of ITU and Member of the IOC, said: “It is a great pleasure for ITU to support the inspirational sport development initiatives of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. Triathlon is a fresh, dynamic sport, which has always promoted social change and a balanced, healthy lifestyle among the world’s youth. I believe our goals and aspirations perfectly synchronise with the visions and projects of Laureus.”

The press conference is scheduled for 13:00 on April 9th at the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney. Members of the media are invited to learn more about Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series and the partnership. Photo opportunities and interviews with ITU athletes and Laureus Ambassadors are also to follow.

Laureus Academy Chairman Edwin Moses said: “I am delighted that the International Triathlon Union has chosen Laureus to be their charity partner for 2010. Triathlon is one of the boom sports at the moment and the projections for its growth over the next few years are impressive. I know this is going to be a great partnership.”

The Laureus Academy Members share a belief in the power of sport to break down barriers and bring people together. Laureus currently supports 78 community sports projects around the world which use the power of sport to improve young people’s lives and bring about social change. Since its inception Laureus has raised more than €35 million for projects which have helped to improve the lives of over one million children. For more information, please go to www.laureus.com.