SunSmart to be Naming Rights Sponsor of Ironman Western Australia

World Triathlon Corporation has today announced a new naming rights partnership that will see its premier West coast event become the SunSmart Ironman Western Australia.

Western Australian health promotion body, Healthway and the Cancer Council of Western Australia’s flagship skin cancer awareness campaign, SunSmart, will support the event for the next two years. The sponsorship will see SunSmart Ironman Western Australia endorse the key messages of the Cancer Council of Western Australia and Healthway.

“Through this partnership we aim to use Ironman Western Australia and its incredible athletes as a means to encourage people to live a healthier life. Finishing an Ironman event can be a life changing experience and can so often be the catalyst for spectators and other people to begin leading a more positive lifestyle,” World Triathlon Corporation Brand Manager Trent Taylor said.

SunSmart Ironman Western Australia will be used as a vehicle to promote greater awareness of sun protection and better practices for reducing the incidence of skin cancer among Western Australians.

In keeping with Healthway and Ironman’s values, SunSmart Ironman Western Australia will be a completely smoke-free event in 2010 and 2011.

“As the event organisor, Ironman acknowledges that creating a healthy environment for staff, volunteers, members, participants and spectators is a priority and key to encouraging healthy behaviour.

“We hope this will only enhance the family-friendly atmosphere that is synonymous with Ironman events,” Taylor said. “It is just one of a number of steps we are taking to embrace Healthway’s objective, which is to support healthy lifestyles and increase participation in physical activity.”

Healthway Executive Director David Malone said: “Healthway is delighted to be the naming rights sponsor for this year’s Ironman Western Australia Event.

“Healthway has linked the SunSmart sun protection message with this sponsorship because it is an important health message for people of all ages, particularly Australians who love their beaches and outdoor sports.

“Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world “At least two thirds of all Australians will develop skin cancer before they reach 70 years of age and every year 1700 Australians die from skin cancer.