In an interview yesterday, Sitchon said he is now contemplating on donating the money he raised during the fundraising Mountain Bike Race last month, instead of pursuing his plan.
He said the event which was participated in by 40 bikers and was made possible by eight sponsors had raised $600.
He found out however that his trip to Maui will cost over $2,000. The hotel accommodation alone, he learned just later, was $500.
He said he has already brought this up to Russ Quinn the president of NMI Triathlon Federation that supported him in the fundraising. He is also drafting letters to inform the sponsors of his decision.
Sitchon aimed to participate in the World Championship that is limited to top 500 qualified triathletes from different XTERRA triathlon races all over United .States and its territories and other countries. It will consist of two categories—Road Bike and Mountain Bike.
But that going to Maui alone, Sitchon looks much harder to accomplish.
With the high cost of travel and accommodation in Hawaii, he said he’d rather do something he thinks more important, and that is helping people in distress.
Sitchon said he is looking at donating half of the money he raised to the victims of Typhoon Frank in the Philippines.
And the rest of the money he said, will go to help the NMITF, as he knows there are also other members who are willing to compete in the world championship.
Sitchon said he may spare a little bit for cheaper triathlon event—the L.A. Triathlon in September.
Although he may not organize another fundraiser, he said he thinks he can make up for the travel expenses to LA which costs only $1,000.00.
There will be no problem with accommodation since he can stay with his brother there.
