FirstPerson is the first company in Indiana to commit to Special Olympics Indiana’s Extreme Triple Challenge as a Gold Medal Sponsor. The Extreme Triple Challenge (ETC) is a corporate challenge to the next level, consisting of three extreme fundraising events that benefit more than 10,000 Special Olympics Indiana athletes throughout the state. The Challenge begins with the FedEx Plane Pull Challenge on August 6, 2011, with teams of 22 individuals working together to pull a FedEx Boeing 757. Next up is Over The Edge presented by FirstPerson, when 80 brave individuals will scale down the Barnes & Thornburg Building in downtown Indianapolis on October 15, 2011. The grand finale takes place in February 2012 as more than 800 individuals will jump into Eagle Creek in Indianapolis.
FirstPerson is an employee benefits firm that provides creative solutions and a unique point of view of employee benefits. Becoming the first Gold Medal Sponsor for the ETC was a natural fit for FirstPerson. Advisor Mark Sherman, who has worked with Special Olympics for several years, said, "Special Olympics has provided inspiration for athletes and their families for over 40 years. They repeatedly remind us of the sheer joy of being in the game and in the moment. At FirstPerson we are proud to support those efforts. The lessons we learn from these special athletes improve us all."
Creating the ETC was a natural progression for Special Olympics Indiana as the organization has become widely known for unique fundraising events. Participating in the ETC requires many of the same qualities it takes to be a Special Olympics Indiana athlete: bravery, tenacity and heart. Special Olympics Indiana President and CEO Michael Furnish said: "We ask people to leave their comfort zones when they participate in one of our distinctive fundraising events, just like Special Olympics athletes do each time they compete. FirstPerson is the type of forward-thinking, engaged company that is embracing the challenge knowing that it will make for great team building while supporting a great cause."
FirstPerson would like to issue a challenge to other corporations throughout Indiana to join them in the ETC. CEO Bryan Brenner added: "Giving back to our communities is an important part of the mission of all FirstPerson associates. I challenge other companies that feel the same way to join us. We’re delighted to be an Extreme Challenge sponsor."
For additional information and to become a part of the ETC, please contact Rita DeKlyen at 317-459-7593 or at