UPDATED Thursday, September 4, 2008 --- 7:30pm

Statement from WSDC:

September 4, 2008 (Madison, WI) – North America Sports (NA Sports), the license holder and event organizer of the Ford Ironman Wisconsin would like to confirm their commitment to Madison event. NA Sports has enjoyed a great relationship with our partners in the community since the inaugural event in 2002.

The current agreement with the community runs until 2011, the date being predicated on the expiration date of NA Sports license agreement with the World Triathlon Corporation (WTC), owner of all Ironman licenses. It in no way reflects any intent to move the event after this date and is in keeping with the process we follow in all our race communities.

The partnerships between the Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation (WSDC), the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, The City of Madison as well as Dane County and the surrounding communities have been positive and we continue to work together to improve the event each year. Our volunteer army, 3500 strong, has been a true supporter of the event, “The continued success of the event is directly tied to the great community support. Without the volunteer base in each Ironman community, no event of this nature could ever take place," said North America Sports CEO Graham Fraser. "An event like Ironman helps to bring the community together to support it and in addition provides a great economic benefit for the area."

WSDC would like to apologize if there was any confusion regarding a story that aired Wednesday, September 3 about the possibility the Ford Ironman Wisconsin Triathlon could exit Madison after 2011. WSDC intended to praise the great support from local businesses such as Alliant Energy and Rayovac for their assistance in helping bring the event to Madison. They have been great partners for many years and we need more supporters similar to them.

Ford Ironman’s economic impact to the community benefits many local businesses and we are now looking to reach out and share in retaining the success we’ve had for so many years. There is no reason not to continue the contract for another five years after 2011 and a multitude of reasons to extend it. Event organizers and supporters at all levels are happy to be in Madison and look forward to the years to come. We do hope to grow the number of local supporters so that everyone can benefit and be part of the “ironman experience”.

For more information please log onto www.ironmanwisconsin

_______________________________________________

Posted Wednesday, September 3, 2008 --- 3:30pm

Ironman Wisconsin could be looking for a new home if it doesn't find more sponsorships and donations because many sponsors have pulled out of the event leaving local organizers with a projected loss.

Ron Vincent is the CEO of Wisconsin Sports Development Corporation and says, "It would be a big loss. Plus, there's only 7 of these in North America and Madison has one and it's something they hang their hat on."

The Ironman Wisconsin attracts nearly 2500 athletes from around the world who do more than just swim, bike and run a combined 140.6 miles through Madison, Verona and Cross Plains. Vincent says, "They've trained for this event a whole year, so they bring up their whole family, they're here to be a part of this experience, the Ironman experience and they're not here to scrimp. They're here, they're staying in the downtown hotels, paying the big bucks, eating out, they're shopping, they're doing the whole Ironman experience."

The economic impact in Dane County is estimated between $2- $2.5 million. But, WSDC has to come up with the host fee of $100,000 to bring the event to town. A cost that's normally offset by sponsorship and donations. Vincent says, "Sponsorship is waning a little bit and now it's to a point where again it's hurting us, that we need to raise the local sponsorship awareness that this is a great event for Madison and if it's going to stay here, the city and the business leaders have to kick in and help out."

Especially after losing big name sponsors like Alliant Energy and Rayovac and the free services of an ambulance company due to the slower economy. Vincent says, "We are probably looking about a $15,000 to $20,000 loss for us. and again, us being a non profit, it's hard for us to make it up, you know we can't just go out and sell one more widget."

The WSDC is talking with Mayor Dave and other organizations about helping offset some of the costs in order to keep the event in the Capital City.