AQUAVELO RACE INTRODUCED FOR FIRST TIME IN 28-YEARS

Bethesda, Md. August 24, 2011 – For the first time in the 28-year history of the Make-A-Wish® Triathlon at Sea Colony (Bethany Beach, Del.), Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-Atlantic is pleased to offer a swim-bike option to inspire a variety of long distance athletes to participate in the race. On September 24, 2011, the event will play host to hundreds of triathletes, relay team members and AquaVelo competitors. Registration is now open.

The AquaVelo race has spawned a new breed of long course athletes who forego the run and participate in only the biking and swimming aspects of the race. In addition to AquaVelo, a relay option allows athletes to form teams for those who prefer one particular leg of the race, or to participate with friends, family or colleagues.

“We recognize that AquaVelo is growing in popularity, and we want to make it available to athletes during our event,” says Maura Harty, president and chief executive officer of Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-Atlantic. “The relay option is another great way we can encourage athletes at all levels to take part in the race and get communities involved with our organization, interested in the event and contributing to our mission to grant wishes to children across the region with life-threatening medical conditions.”

The ocean swim, scenic bike and run courses and phenomenal post-race picnic make this race a favorite among both seasoned triathletes and weekend warriors. All proceeds and pledges from the event benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-Atlantic.

For additional information regarding the AquaVelo, relay reams, Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-Atlantic, or how to get involved, visit www.midatlantic-makeawishtri.org.

About Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic: Make-A-Wish Foundation® of the Mid-Atlantic was founded in 1983 and has granted the wishes of more than 6,500 children with life-threatening medical conditions, such as cancer, pediatric AIDS, cystic fibrosis, Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy and heart disease. The Mid-Atlantic chapter serves children who reside in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland and Northern Virginia. For more information visit: www.midatlantic.wish.org