Meet RAAM Team NZBLUE!
Team NZBLUE consists of 4 riders, Phil, Ben, Aaron and Mark - 3 ‘has beens’ and 1 decent athlete! Over the years developing successful careers both in and out of the Fitness industry, each of the riders felt that now is the time to give back. Every member of Team NZBLUE has chosen a charity (or 2) which they will be riding for in RAAM to raise over $100,000NZD!
How was the team NZBLUE formed?
Ben formed the club and registered it with signatures obtained from the local pub on a Thursday night a few years back. As founder he got naming rights with NZBLUE Multisport representing everyone’s passion for multiple sports and their backgrounds originating from Aquatic Sport, “Back in the Day”.
Now, let's meet the team!
PHIL EATON - Charity MITEY
Phil is a parent, weekend warrior on the bike, and works full time in the property industry. He’s been passionately invested in causes for many years taking a leading role in his feild, and championing improvements through policy and communications. Throughout this time, he has been open about his challenges with depression, which has been with him most of his life. Like many others he recognises the need to do much more and has openly spoken about his challenges to help others. Phil is undertaking RAAM to help raise money for kids so they can be better be equipped for the challenges ahead.
BEN DAVIES - Charities Charity Raise up & RMHC
Ben has been involved in most aspects of the Aquatic, Health and Fitness Industries for over 30 Years, starting from School life followed by a Phys Ed degree and then first major role was with The Y (previously YMCA) starting from a Fitness Instructor and Swim Coach progressing through to Executive Director. For the past 20 years Ben has worked on the supply side of this industry establishing Blue Fitness Ltd in 2002 and since has worked closely with RMHC. He is passionate about Sport and Recreation having completed 5 Ironman Distance Triathlons, representing New Zealand in 1992 at the World Champs. Ben now wants to give back to the community and organisations that have supported him over so many years.
AARON DAVIS - Charity Inspire Foundation Marlborough
Father of two aged 52; Full time Auctioneer for the last 12 years and residing in Auckland. Aaron’s motto is ‘The older I get, the better I was as an athlete’ (35years ago).
Faced with a rotund physic, slowing mobility while struggling to climb stairs and looking for a way to give back. Aaron is racing in RAAM 2023 as he would like to get back some semblance of physical conditioning, help worthy charities who can make real difference in people’s lives and be the example for his family and work colleagues.
MARK BLAKE - Charity Belgravia Foundation Marlborough
Sport and physical activity have always played a key part in Mark’s life & in many ways the major part. He has been lucky enough to work full time in the aquatics, fitness, wellness and leisure sectors whilst enjoying a lifetime of participation in many sports including triathlon, running and cycling. With the Belgravia Foundation, their aim is to ensure everybody has the ability to enjoy and access the ability to participate in physical activity regardless of disability, culture or economic circumstances. Raising funds for The Belgravia Foundation is a small way of me giving back to an industry and lifestyle that has given Mark so much. The Belgravia Foundation is an Organisation designed to ensure “Nobody misses out” and he is proud to Ride Across America to support that very cause.
