Tri4Japan Announce Massive Multi Sport Charity Auction
Tri4japan, the charity established to help the people of Kamaishi, devastated by the recent earthquake and tsunami, announces the launch of a major fundraising initiative.
Beginning 1st August, we will launch a massive multi sports auction on Ebay - it will be a celebration of the coming together of triathletes, endurance and multisport athletes as well as competitive manufacturers, all showing that in time of desperate need we can all pull together to help those less fortunate that us with the biggest collection of sports memorabilia of the year!
All money raised will go to the Tri4Japan disaster fund, enabling us to effect a change for the better.
"Like people the world over, I am so shocked and saddened by the scenes of complete devastation in Japan, and of course in other countries that have suffered from horrific natural disasters. We are witness to the huge loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and continued vulnerability and fear: but at the same time we see unwavering courage, hope, solidarity and true strength of spirit.
Tri4Japan is an opportunity for the triathlon, and entire sporting community, to come together to help support the Japanese people reconstruct their land and their lives, and give them the chance of a better tomorrow. So please, let us all join hands to support this initiative and harness the power of sport to make a real difference."
Chrissie Wellington - Triple Ironman World Champion & current World Record holder
Read more messages of support from
leading figures in the triathlon community - here
Mr Kobayashi the Driving Force Behind the Kamaishi Triathlon is Alive
The Japanese triathlon community have all been worried about Mr Kobayashi (72), the driving force behind the Kamaishi triathlon since its start 22 years ago.
We have just had some great news, from Satako FujiHara. It appears that, Mr Kobayashi and his wife are alive and safe...read more
Japan is gripped by its worst disaster since WWII. Earthquakes, tsunami and now nuclear radioactivity fears.
My Japanese wife Rieko and I lived in Japan for many years and have family and friends there.
On Friday 11th March 2011, we watched in horror when the earthquake and tsunami hit Eastern Japan.
We instantly knew we had to do something. One of the port towns called Kamaishi was literally washed away in front of our eyes...
Why did we start?
Kamaishi was the town on TV that really struck a chord string with us. Suddenly, this was real and it suddenly this was personal. When we saw buildings we had stayed in, shops we had visited, and roads we had walked down, vanish in front of our eyes, under the relentless surge of that all consuming Tsunami, we knew we had to act. Not only people suffering in Kamaishi, but those affected all over Japan, and if we had the resources, all people suffering in the world. However, we are just two people, with limited resources and limited time. Rather than watch in vain and prey, we put a stake in the ground and said "now is the time to act." The earthquake and Tsnuami we saw hit Kamaishi was the catalyst, for our call to action.
Why Tri?
Triathlon is all we know, I have been involved in triathlon for 25 years, it is not only our livelihood and our hobby, and a way of life. Although we say tri4japan, we want to include all sports, swim, bike run, endurance and sprint, individual and team. The true essence of our mission is that all people from all sports around the world come together and TRY FOR JAPAN.
We've started Tri4Japan to raise money to help the people of Kamaishi who in many cases have literally lost everything in this devastating disaster. At this time rescue workers are unable to reach the town, but when it is safe to do so we will visit Kamaishi and identify a worthwhile project to support with funds raised that will make a tangible difference.
Kamaishi International Triathlon has been at the forefront of triathlon in Japan for over 22 years. To name just a few Pro's, Cameron Brown, Lorretta and Luke Harrop, Rina Bradshaw Hill, Glende Magnum, Chris Hill, Stephen Farrell, Jason Metters, myself Mike Trees, have all raced there. It was funded totally by the Town Council. Now the town has been devastated and that same council and town needs our support.
It is our aim to provide this support and also to bring triathlon back to Kamaishi and help organise an event that we hope will be supported and attended by the biggest names in triathlon when the town has been redeveloped.
Kamaishi International Triathlon has been at the forefront of triathlon in Japan for over 22 years. To name just a few Pro's, Cameron Brown, Lorretta and Luke Harrop, Rina Bradshaw Hill, Glende Magnum, Chris Hill, Stephen Farrell, Jason Metters, myself Mike Trees, have all raced there.
All these athletes were able to make a living at the sport thanks to the generous sponsorship of such races.
Kamaishi International Triathlon was funded totally by the Town Council. Now the town has been devastated and that same council and town needs our support.
As I write this I am still unable to contact my friends in kamaishi Town. Each day we pray for good news!
I want all triathletes around the world to dig deep and help Tri4Japan raise money. Triathlon in Japan has enriched the lives of so many triathletes for over 25 years, now I want all our friends in the triathlon world to help Japan. Our aim is to raise as much money as possible by September. No expenses will be taken, and all people helping are offering their time and services for free.
The money will really help but also the psychological boost to the Japanese, knowing that all triathletes around the world are helping will be priceless.
Rieko and I intend to get to the devastated area as soon as it is safe to do so.
We will research and analyze what Japanese need most and would like to use it for their best, as we realise many will now be orphaned due to the tsunami, we want our money to help people who have lost their family members through this disaster.
Yours faithfully
Mike and Rieko Trees
Latest Headline
Emilio De Soto to Head Up American Fundraising for Tri4Japan - read more
Kamaishi Today
Although they have lost everything, they can still smile! Could you?
Kamaishi in better times
Mike Trees finishing the 1992 Kamaishi International Triathlon
Rieko Trees in 2004 exiting the swim...what if the tsunami struck while we were racing, I cannot dare to think about it?
Invited triathletes from overseas all relaxing after the 2004 triathlon