On the 13th September, the Sony Pictures Triathlon Team braved the dark hours of the early morning and took part in the Malibu Triathlon for the first time, swimming a 1/2 mile in the ocean followed by an 18 mile bike and a 4 mile run. Amazingly, we put forward 73 competitors, and for many it was their first ever triathlon.
All our members did outstanding with many top 10 finishes within their age groups. Two of our athletes managed to podium with Dan Sheerin placing 4th in his age group, placing 14th overall and Jamie Specht placing 3rd in his age group and finishing 25th overall. With nearly 2000 competitors these finishes exceeded both athlete expectations and will hopefully hint at more successes in the future.
To top this off, the team managed to raise a very impressive $31,699.86 for the Children's Hospital Los Angeles where it will help pediatric cancer research. As a first year team, this is over 50% higher than any other entertainment companies first year competing as a team. This is quite an accomplishment and highlights the AWESOME spirit that we at Sony Pictures have as a company.
Notable fundraisers were Felicity Bath, John Carlson, Steven Hafran, Courtney Schaberg and Greg Yip, who each raised over $1000.
One of our team members, Steven Hafran, had a particular connection to pediatric cancer. Steven’s son Nathaniel was diagnosed with stage 3 neuroblastoma in February this year, when he was only 15 months old. His lower half became paralyzed over the days leading up to his diagnosis and he required emergency surgery in order to prevent permanent paralysis. During this time he also started chemotherapy. This was a difficult time for Steven and his wife. Although Steven felt powerless, he found out that the Malibu Triathlon was again supporting the Children's Hospital Los Angeles and especially pediatric cancer research and that Sony Pictures were entering a team for the first time. Not only could he directly help Nathaniel but also the other kids that are fighting the disease. Steven has raised a staggering $5,268.01.
The good news is that Nathaniel is doing great and the remaining part of the tumor that had to be left has shrunk so that it is now undetectable and he is now running around again like a true toddler. The Sony Pictures Triathlon Team wishes Nathaniel a continued and speedy recover.
Thanks to all those that came out to support us, including our fantastic sponsors: SONY DADC, DTS, Digital Authoring Center, Rush Street, Tri-Labs, SportEve, The Athletic Club, XTERRA Wetsuits and Imageworks. We all had a great day and we hope to make the team bigger and better for next year and raise even more money for this great cause.
The Sony Pictures Triathlon Team
