WASHINGTON, D.C. — ES Interactive announced today that it has teamed up with WiggleWireless to offer fans the Kona Buzz, a “fly on the wall” view of what really happens before, during and after the biggest race on the planet – the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Triathlon insiders, Paul Huddle and Wendy Ingraham, will be joined by Michael Lovato, Desiree Ficker and a host of others to give fans the inside skinny on the place, the players and the unique character of the granddaddy of all races.
Starting today, fans can go to www.esinteractive.net or www.wigglewireless.com to sign up for the Kona Buzz. Text messages are delivered to the fans October 12 through October 23 through WiggleWireless’ Mobile Media Portal. The service is free to fans, but standard text messaging wireless carrier fees may apply. “Frequency and relevancy is what makes mobile marketing so effective,” said Jeff Pokonosky, CEO of WiggleWireless. “The Kona Buzz is an example of the kind of self-selected information people love to get on their mobile phones wherever they are, whatever they’re doing.”
“The concept of the Kona Buzz came from my desire to make endurance sports like triathlon more spectator friendly,” said ES Interactive CEO, Carri Bennet, “I’ve been lucky enough to have competed in Kona myself – the atmosphere is charged, there’s this unique karma. I wanted to find a way to share that with the people who love this sport.”
About ES Interactive (ESI)
Carri Bennet, founder and CEO of ESI, is an Ironman finisher and an avid fan of endurance sports. This passion led her to the concept of making the pros more accessible to the fans via the Internet and other interactive media technology. Webcasts, text messaging and video podcasts are ESI’s primary media for bringing fans and athletes together to allow each participant the opportunity to personally interact with their favorite athletes. For more information, go to .
About WiggleWireless
WiggleWireless delivers relevant, self selected information directly to mobile phone users, wherever they are. Utilizing the most convenient and ubiquitous device known to man, WiggleWireless gives users the freedom to step away from the traditional information sources that tie them down. Users select the information they want to receive and WiggleWireless delivers it as soon as it’s available, conveniently to their mobile phones. Based in San Diego, WiggleWireless was founded in 2002 by Jeff Pokonosky. For more information, go to http://www.wigglewireless.com.
About Wendy Ingraham
Wendy Ingraham is known as Wingnut in the tri-circle. The 8-Time Ironman Champion is quite possibly the most decorated athlete in the physically demanding sport of triathlon, making her one of the top endurance enthusiasts on the globe. On her road to Kona she’s shattered numerous swim records, including her own, several times over. With 41 Ironman finishes in the top 10, Wendy is listed among the all-time leaders in Ironman competitions. Sure, Wendy may be an anomaly when it comes to winning, but there’s one thing you may very well have in common with her, and that’s your relentless passion, desire and dedication to go the distance. Or, in Wingnut-speak, to be always in front. Wendy currently heads up the fast-growing Multi-Sport division of TYR. www.tyr.com
About Paul Huddle
Paul competed as a top level pro for 11 years, and is a 3-time Top-10 finisher at Kona. He started coaching triathletes with Roch Frey in 1994 and in 2000, joined forces with triathlon legend Paula Newby-Frazer and Triathlete Magazine Publisher, John Duke to form Multisports. Along with Roch, Paul co-authors the monthly Dear Coach column in Triathlete Magazine and has written several books. In his role as a course director for Ironman North America he travels extensively to race sites around the country, keeping in close touch with the needs and experiences of thousands of triathletes. For more information, go to www.multisports.com
About Michael Lovato
A professional triathlete since 2000, Michael is a consistent Top-10 long course finisher. His wins include Ironman Arizona and Ironman Coeur d’Alene. Michael lives and trains in Boulder Colorado with his wife Amanda who is also a top professional Triathlete. To learn more about Michael, go to www.michaellovato.triathletesonline.com
About Desiree Ficker
After being named USA Triathlon’s Age Group Triathlete of the year in 1999 and 2000, Desiree turned professional in 2001. Among a host of Podium finishes, her career highlights include 3-Time Powerman Alabama Champion; 3-Time Capital of Texas Triathlon Champion; and 2nd Place Ironman Arizona. Desiree is the only female American athlete on the elite Triathlon Team Tri-Dubai. For more information about Desiree, go to www.desireeficker.com.
NEWS SOURCE: ES Interactive, LLC
[tags]ES Interactive, Kona Buzz, Ford Ironman World Championship, WiggleWireless, eNewsChannels[/tags]
