SEE-ME Returns to the Concourse Athletic Club Feb. 26

The Southeastern Endurance and Multisport Expo 2011 (SEE-ME 2011) returns on February 26. The event, now in its sixth year, features exhibits and demonstrations from more than 40 multi-sport manufacturers, stores and race organizers. All proceeds benefit the Getting2Tri Foundation, an organization dedicated to training, educating and empowering physically disabled athletes. The Expo floor at the Concourse Athletic Club opens at 1:30 pm.

SEE-ME was founded in 2005 by Mike Lenhart, an accomplished age-group triathlete, and a group of friends who wanted to create an event for the growing Atlanta multisport community.

“About 300 people attended that first year, with only a handful of sponsors. This year we expect more than 1,000 attendees and we sold out of exhibit space two months early,” said Lenhart. “The growth and support from the Atlanta multisport community has been phenomenal.”

One reason for the growth is the ability to bring together vendors and athletes in a fun, free atmosphere. As SEE-ME has grown, organizers have added seminars, a fashion show, and, new for 2011, the SEE-ME Fit Zone.

“All3Sports joined us as a sponsor of this new area, which gives athletes and opportunity to be fitted with everything they need for the racing season,” Lenhart said. “From wetsuits to bike and tri clothing to sports bras, they’ll have a wide range of products and expert fitters on hand so you can find just the right size.”

SEE-ME will offer five seminars covering a wide range of topics:

• Creating and Sticking to a Training Plan
• Fitness with Fido
• The Mix 1 Story and Today's Endurance Athlete
• Aquatics Demonstration
• USA Triathlon (Southeast) Regional update and panel Q&A

The popular MultiSport Fashion Show will also return for 2011. Local athletes, celebrities and paratriathletes will show off the latest in gear and apparel for the 2011 season. The show will be emceed by local triathlete Patti Danzig and John Crow, the “face” of the Georgia Lottery drawings.

The very popular raffles are a key part of SEE-ME’s fundraising efforts. A variety of gear, clothing, and race entries (donated by exhibitors and sponsors) are raffled, including such high-end items as a road or triathlon bike. Organizers are offering advance purchase discounted raffle tickets through the web site, and will conduct drawings throughout the day. Tickets will also be available on the main exhibition floor.

Another highlight of SEE-ME is the annual Henry C. Forrest Jr. Person of Courage Award. Named for one of the competitors in the first Ironman Triathlon in 1978, the award recognizes individuals whose accomplishments give back to the community and are often behind the scenes. Past recipients include Denise Novicki with Tri2Remember and Dr. Tommy Owens with Team in Training.

  

As in past years, admission is free for all attendees. Food and beverages from Heineken and Slope's BBQ will be available for purchase, with advance discounts available on the SEE-ME website.

Lenhart has one word of advice for attendees – arrive early.

“Classic Subaru of Atlanta, our title sponsor, will hand out "green friendly" goody bags with some great stuff to the first 300 attendees,” he said “They’re also planning a great prize drawing that you’ll want to stop by their booth to learn more about.”