Due to the ongoing flooding situation in the Siouxland area, organizers have decided to cancel the Hy-Vee IronKids triathlon scheduled for July 2nd in South Sioux City. Instead, the IronKids organization will donate $3,000 to the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA to assist with flood relief efforts, and Hy-Vee will distribute donated products and merchandise within the community.
Darin Hirl, director of event marketing for Hy-Vee, said the company made the determination in conjunction with local store directors and officials.
“We were looking forward to bringing a kids’ triathlon to Sioux City this year, but in light of everything the community is dealing with right now, we don’t want to add to the logistical challenges with a race,” Hirl said. “Our thoughts and our support go out to the people who have been affected by flooding in the area.”
The Hy-Vee IronKids Sioux City event was scheduled to be held at the Norm Waitt Sr. YMCA in South Sioux City. It was part of the Hy-Vee IronKids Midwest Series of 14 youth triathlons planned for Hy-Vee communities in seven states.
Michelle Payette, director of IronKids, said anyone who has already registered for the Sioux City event can contact IronKids to transfer a registration to another race or request a refund of the registration fee.
“We’re disappointed that IronKids won’t be visiting Sioux City this year, but we know kids and their parents have a lot of other things on their minds right now,” Payette said. “We plan to return in the future with a great race for the Siouxland area. In the meantime, we hope this donation will help the YMCA deal with some of the expenses involved in moving its operations due to the flooding.”
Hirl said Hy-Vee employees who had volunteered to help with the triathlon have instead offered their services to the city to assist with flood relief efforts. Employees at all Sioux City area Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drugstore locations will be handing out free IronKids products and merchandise for kids ages 6 through 15 on Friday morning, July 1.
“This is just a small way we can show the community we care, and we’re here to help,” Hirl said.