Baldwin’s Ironman

Like all of our volunteers, Barclay Oudersluys is one-of-a-kind. From his unique name to his athletic skill, Barclay is catching attention this summer: he plans on completing the Michigan Titanium triathlon event on August 26 in Grand Rapids, and raising funds for Baldwin Center along the way.

Barclay Oudersluys

A graduate of Seaholm High School in Birmingham,  Oudersluys spent last summer managing work projects and providing administrative support. “Barkclay was an institution here at Baldwin last summer.  Many projects were completed as he coordinated hundreds and hundreds of volunteers.  We are grateful that is helping Baldwin again this summer,” said Jason Morgan, Associate Director for Programs at Baldwin.

Oudersluys, who is studying nuclear engineering in Ann Arbor, is a former varsity wrestler who has been training for the event. The triathlon meets the standard for Ironman designation: a 2.4 mile swim, followed by a 112 mile bike ride, finished with a marathon race – 26 miles. It’s a total of over 140 miles, and Barclay has made Baldwin the beneficiary. “My goal is to raise $10 for every mile I’ll run, so a total of $1,400, to go to support Baldwin’s programs. It’s amazing what they do here,” he said.

Not only will this be Barclay’s first triathlon, it is also his first marathon. But he’s been preparing. “I usually go out twice a week for a 30-60 mile bike ride. I’ve ridden my bike down to North Carolina before, so I’m pretty comfortable with the biking. It’s the swimming that has me worried.” We are rooting on Barclay as he prepares for the August event. If you desire to support Barclay’s triathlon, visit his Crowdrise page, or send him an email. You can additionally contact Alex Plum, Baldwin’s Community Affairs Coordinator, for more information, 248.332.6101.

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