Deborah Brosy, Executive Director of the non-profit ITP Foundation (www.itpfoundation.org), announced today that there are entry spaces to several 2007 North America Sports Ironman triathlons available to qualified ITP Team members. Specifically, there are two slots available for Ford Ironman USA Lake Placid (July 22); one for Ford Ironman Wisconsin (September 9); and two for Ford Ironman Florida (November 3).

“These are sold-out events in which open slots are highly prized,” says Brosy. “That North America Sports is making these slots available to the non-profit ITP Foundation is a wonderful gift for us and will aid us enormously in our battle against the bleeding disorder ITP (Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura).”

North America Sports organizes a number of triathlons throughout the year. An Ironman triathlon features a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike, and a complete marathon (26.2 miles), all in succession. Athletes have 17 hours to complete the event (from the 7 a.m. start until midnight).

The ITP Foundation, which battles the autoimmune disease, Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), has utilized endurance athletes as a key component of its fundraising strategy. These athletes, members of the “ITP Team,” have raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Foundation via sponsorships in triathlon events. The Foundation also boasts two of the country’s top professional triathletes, Chann McRae and Jessi Stensland, on its Board of Directors and as its ITP Team Leaders.

Under the arrangement with North America Sports, any member of the ITP Team who meets specific qualifications may obtain a slot in the Lake Placid, Wisconsin or Florida races. Participants still must pay the required entry fee, but they are guaranteed a slot. Program details are available by emailing the ITP Foundation at ironman@itpfoundation.org.

“We cannot thank the good people at North America Sports enough for this very special support,” Brosy says. “This valuable Ironman Entry Program will attract more athletes to join the ITP Team, which will help us raise money to fight ITP and to help kids living with this difficult condition.”

"North America Sports is proud to again assist the ITP Foundation in its fight against this terrible disorder," said Paula Newby-Fraser, President of North America Sports. “The triathlon community understands the importance of good health and the impact that such a disorder can have upon a person. North America Sport's contribution of slots to our sold-out races is a reflection of the concern that the entire community has with health-related issues, especially where children and youth are concerned. We sincerely hope this support will help the ITP Foundation to make a difference in the lives of families affected by ITP through their medical research and other programs."

For more information about the ITP Foundation or about joining the ITP Team and taking advantage of this generous offer from North America Sports, please contact the Foundation offices by email at itpfteam@itpfoundation.org.

About the ITP Foundation

The ITP Foundation was established to raise awareness of ITP. An autoimmune disease and bleeding disorder, ITP causes platelet counts to drop drastically, resulting in severe bruising and/or bleeding throughout the body. Treatments are necessary to raise and maintain the platelet counts, and people affected by the disorder must make significant lifestyle changes.

Although individuals of any age may contract ITP, the focus of the ITP Foundation is on ITP in children and adolescents. The ITP Foundation takes an active role in raising awareness through outreach efforts on both a local and national level. This is done through sporting, social and educational events. The primary focus is on sponsorship of endurance athletes who raise funds for the ITP Foundation. The Foundation will also host its Third Annual Darien Sport Shop ITPMAN Triathlon on September 29th. For more info on this event go to: http://www.itpfoundation.org/itpman2007; registration is through active.com.

In addition, the ITP Foundation funds important research that directly benefits children and adolescents with ITP and provides financial assistance for families with children affected by ITP.

About North America Sports

North America Sports, Inc, based in Boulder, CO. organizes eight Ironman licensed events in the United States and Canada.

NA Sports currently hosts events in Lake Placid, N.Y.; Panama City Beach, Fla.; Penticton, British Columbia; Madison, Wisc. ; Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Tempe, Arizona; Oceanside, Calif.; and Walt Disney World® Resort, Fla.

Through the NA Sports Community Fund, NA Sports contributes to charities and non-profit groups in its host communities. Since its inception in 2001, the NA Sports Community Fund has given away more than one million dollars to charities and non-profits groups.