The Ultimate Challenge In Defense of Animals

by ANC Staff and IDA

In Defense of Animals (IDA) is calling all athletes, couch potatoes, or weekend warriors, to join a special new athletic team - "Team IDA" - consisting of "individuals who want to support the image of strength and leadership in animal advocacy."

Throughout 2004, world-class professional athlete Eric Harr is undertaking an unprecedented, global televised athletic quest titled "The Ultimate Challenge In Defense of Animals." In one year, Harr will complete a dramatic series of ten of the world's most strenuous and celebrated sporting events.

100% of all funds raised by the events will go to In Defense of Animals, a highly-respected international animal protection organization founded by the renowned Dr. Elliot Katz.

"I invite you to join us in walking, running, biking, and swimming events to show off your athletic prowess, have loads of fun, and inspire others!" says the Team IDA Captain and Ultimate Challenge IDA Director, Jessica M. Thomas.

"All you have to do is show up!" she says. "You don’t have to be a runner or even a walker, merely a cheerleader, willing to wear our Team IDA shirt and show your pro-animal attitude."

Individuals can choose to join in the effort in various different ways, such as:

1. Participate by running, walking or cheering in the kickoff, San Francisco half-marathon or 5K on February 1st.
2. Participate and cheer at the growing list of confirmed Ultimate Challenge events around the country, details of which can be found at www.uchallenge.com/events.htm.
3. Run, bike, swim and cheer in your own, local events, wearing your Team IDA apparel.

IDA is asking interested individuals to contact them in advance before participating in an event, so that they can put Team IDA members in the same area in touch with each other, and mail out complimentary shirts to all attendees.

"We want so badly to see all of you out there, representing Team IDA," says Jessica Thomas. "Athletic prowess has nothing to do with what you can give to this effort! If Eric feels our power and absolute dedication to better the lives of our animal friends, how can he not succeed?"

"The difference between wanting something and getting something is actually putting your body in the spot where it needs to be," she adds.

All the money raised by Eric will go to In Defense of Animals.

"Sign up now and look forward to donning the Team IDA complimentary t-shirt that showcases your cause while you sweat, pump, train and cheer!" urges Jessica.

Any questions about Team IDA membership can be emailed to Jessica M. Thomas at jessica@idausa.org, or phone (415) 388-9641 ex. 222.

More information about The Ultimate Challenge In Defense of Animals can be found on Eric Harr’s website at: www.uchallenge.com/charities.htm, and www.uchallenge.com/press_1.htm.

Information about the various events taking place around the country can be found at: www.active.com, www.theschedule.com, www.runnersworld.com, www.lungusa.org/events, www.lungusa.org/local.

© 2004 Animal News Center, Inc.