Triathlon Australia today announced it will be implementing partial staff stand downs due to the economic impact of COVID-19. They come into effect from May 1 until June 30 at which time will be reviewed in line with further developments and government announcements.
 
Triathlon Australia joins a growing list of other sporting organisations that have activated this measure as one of the levers to absorb the impact to the business.
 
It is one of the many measures undertaken to navigate these challenging times and emerge on the other side in the best shape possible for Australian triathlon.
 
Through this time the Triathlon Australia Board has maintained its robust leadership of the sport through an open and proactive response.
 
“Our primary role is to ensure the sport remains viable on all levels not only during this period, but that we emerge strong on the other side,” said Triathlon Australia President Michelle Cooper.
 
“The Board is unwavering in our obligation to preserving our members funds at all costs while not taking our focus off delivering the projects we have in the pipeline that underpin our sport.”
 
“I’m incredibly proud to be leading this organisation and want to thank our dedicated staff at Triathlon Australia who have fully supported the difficult Board decisions we’ve made and who remain committed and passionate in the delivery of services to our members.” concluded Ms Cooper.
 
Triathlon Australia CEO Miles Stewart said that while it was a painstaking decision it was a necessary one based on current information at hand and the need to reduce operating costs.
 
“At the heart of our business are the passionate people that work at Triathlon Australia and this has underpinned the actions we have taken now to preserve the viability of our sport in the short and long term.”
 
“We all hope that the decisions we have made will enable us to very quickly revert back to business as usual when restrictions lift.”
 
“It has been through prudent financial management we find ourselves in a positive position to navigate these uncertain times and will continue to show good leadership and make sound decisions for the sport,” concluded Stewart.
 
Triathlon Australia remains optimistic of a return to group training and the opportunity to participate in events in 2020, although no one is certain when this will be possible. However, the sport remains committed to the greater cause of containing this virus to keep all Australian’s safe.
 
Like many sports triathlon has quickly adapted to an online focus to support all of those affected within the industry. These include our coaches, clubs, event organisers and of course participants.