Idaho Potato Commission Fuels RODS Racing

Triathlete Team Committed to Finding Homes forOrphaned Children with Down Syndrome

EAGLE, Idaho, February 28, 2012—The Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) announced today that it is the Presenting Sponsor of RODS Racing 2013. RODS Racing is comprised of 40 superior athletes who will collectively compete in more than 224 marathons, triathlons and other events this year, raising money to find homes in the United States for orphaned children with Down syndrome who live in other parts of the world. The IPC has donated $50,000, which will cover the adoption costs of two orphans.

Every day, thousands of children around the globe are born with Down syndrome. In industrialized countries like the U.S., these children are provided with support and resources that allow them to live healthy, happy and often productive lives. Unfortunately, in many countries these children are often institutionalized and don’t receive the care or love they need to flourish. RODS Racing is committed to finding homes in the U.S. for these children so they can have the fulfilling lives they deserve.

“The IPC is a strong believer in supporting and promoting healthy lifestyles. Over the years we have sponsored many different sporting events, from college football to marathons to women's cycling races,” explained Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “Our partnership with RODS Racing takes our commitment to a whole new level. Idaho® potatoes will provide these elite athletes with not only the endurance they need to cross the finish line, but the added fuel and encouragement of knowing that their hard work and dedication will help find much needed homes in the U.S. for orphaned children with Down syndrome.”

Brady Murray pictured with Alex, an athlete with Down syndrome.

The RODS Racing athletes will proudly wear the Idaho Potato Commission's logo on their jerseys as they race to raise funds for orphaned children with Down syndrome.

“We are thankful and thrilled that the IPC is the RODS Racing 2013 Presenting Sponsor,” said Brady Murray, Founder, RODS Racing. “My teammates and I rely on Idaho® potatoes to provide us with the energy and important vitamins and minerals we need for training and racing. Their generous donation and support have inspired each and every one of us to further challenge ourselves to not only compete at our highest level, but to do everything in our power to save as many orphaned children with Down syndrome as possible.”

The RODS Racing team comprises 40 triathletes who will compete in 224 high profile athletic events this year, including more than five Ironman races, the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon in Boise and the Boston Marathon. Each team member will prominently display the Idaho® potato logo on his or her jersey and individually raise at least $1,000 to support RODS Racing.

The team members come from all corners of the country and often travel great distances to compete. “I’ve been a triathlete for six years and have supported many different causes to help those less fortunate,” explained David Perry, a RODS Racing team member. “When I learned of RODS Racing, I immediately jumped at the chance to join the team. I know that with every dollar I raise and the generous funds that organizations like the Idaho Potato Commission contribute, we are literally saving a child’s life. There’s no greater feeling.”

Elvis, current RODS orphan waiting for adoption.

The RODS Racing athletes will proudly wear the Idaho Potato Commission's logo on their jerseys as they race to raise funds for orphaned children with Down syndrome.

 

This year, the team is committed to finding homes for two orphans. One child, Elvis, lives in China and was born in October 2009. He is an adorable little boy who is extremely affectionate and loves to interact with people. Money raised by RODS Racing will be used to cover the adoption costs, which total more than $18,000, in order to find a home for Elvis in the U.S.

About RODS Racing
The seed for RODS Racing was planted in 2007 when founder Brady Murray held his newborn son for the first time. The doctors told him his son has Down syndrome. What seemed like an overwhelming challenge has become one of Brady’s greatest blessings. Brady soon learned that children born with Down syndrome in other countries are often institutionalized and never receive the care or love they need to reach their potential. The RODS Racing athletes come from a variety of backgrounds, but all are committed helping children with Down syndrome in other countries find a home in the United States. The only thing standing in the way of children with Down syndrome being adopted is the financial burden of adopting a child internationally. The average international adoption costs $30,000 - $40,000. For more information about RODS Racing, please visit www.rodsracing.org.

About the Idaho Potato Commission
Established in 1937, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) is a state agency that is responsible for promoting and protecting the famous “Grown in Idaho®” seal, a federally registered certification mark that assures consumers they are purchasing genuine, top-quality Idaho® potatoes. Idaho's ideal growing conditions, including rich, volcanic soil, climate and irrigation, differentiate Idaho® potatoes from potatoes grown in other states.

For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.
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