Swansea, Wales - 21 June, 2024 - The British Triathlon Federation has awarded Bianca Fernandez-Clark, co-founder and Chair of Fund Her Tri UK, the esteemed Joe Garner Award during the Gold Pin Awards ceremony on 21st June in Swansea, Wales.
The Gold Pin Awards celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of distinguished members of the triathlon community who have gone above and beyond in their service to the sport, and the Joe Garner Award is dedicated to those driving inclusion in triathlon. Fernandez-Clark’s nomination recognises her commitment and immeasurable contributions to triathlon, advocating for the inclusion of women, non-binary people and ethnic minorities in the sport, and co-founding and chairing Fund Her Tri UK (FHT UK).
Fund Her Tri UK is a registered charity with the mission of bringing gender parity to triathlon with a series of initiatives that help reduce some of the barriers faced at entry level. Since its inception in late 2022, FHT UK has sponsored the first triathlon of more than 100 women and supported hundreds of beginners in our community with a mentorship programme, online and in-person educational events, donations of pre-owned equipment, access to events and more.
"I fell in love with triathlon with my first in 2018; I didn’t know how to swim or bike, but I was intrigued about taking part in this sport, and what a great decision it was! It was so much fun and challenging at the same time, and I knew then I was a triathlete. However, I also noticed the lack of diversity. It was lonely being a beginner, even lonelier being a black woman”, said Fernandez-Clark. “For years I was very vocal and advocated for removing barriers to the sport and making it more diverse. Then Fund Her Tri UK was founded to increase gender diversity and provide that safe haven for beginners that I never had. I am truly humbled to receive the prestigious Joe Garner Award from British Triathlon, which validates the importance of our mission and motivates me to continue breaking down barriers and leveling the playing field."
In addition to the awards ceremony, Fernandez-Clark has been invited as a VIP guest to the World Triathlon Para Series event in Swansea on 22nd June to witness the world-class racing and Paralympic qualifying competitions.
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