A Triathalon for the body and soul

We're looking for a few good men and women to push their bodies to their breaking point for a good cause!

When I crossed the finish line of the Westchester Triathalon last year, the pain my body felt was salved by the pleasure of my mind knowing that a fantastic charity, Ubuntu Africa, would benefit from my physical misery.

A .9-mile swim, 25-mile bike and 6.2-mile run later, Ubuntu would receive $10,000 that friends, co-workers and family had pledged to the group if my husband and I finished the course.

As this year's event rapidly approaches, we have decided to welcome others to team up with us through our not-for-profit group, the Ounavarra Foundation, to participate in the triathalon and shoot to raise $50,000 to go straight to Ubuntu -- a great charity that was started right in our own backyard of Bedford.

Some background on the great work Ubuntu provides:

To quote from its web site, Ubuntu Africa is "dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of HIV-positive children in under-served communities in South Africa."

More specifcially, the group works in Khayelitsha, the fastest-growing township in South Africa

Among the services provided by the group: Healthcare, social work, HIV-Education, Counseling, Nutrition and overall life skills. 

The organziation was founded by Bedford's own Whitney Johnson at the age of 21, and she is now looking to expand into a larger space.

Let's help make it happen.

We have been alloted 20 spaces for the event, and have already recruited six New Yorkers in addition to my husband and me.

That leaves a dozen spaces for people looking to do some good.

The 2013 version of the Westchester Triathalon is scheduled for September 29th, but registration opens Wednesday, March 6th at Noon. If you want to join Team Ubuntu, please contact us through www.ounavarrafoundation.org