Art meets Sport: Leanda Cave partners with Miami Artist Romero Britto

Four-time World Triathlon Champion Leanda Cave has collaborated with internationally acclaimed Miami pop artist Romero Britto to raise for support a medical grant program for children.

Britto lent his artistic talents and designed the art graphics that appear on the frame of the Canyon Speedmax CF 9.0 triathlon bike that Cave will race in Kona on Saturday October 11 .

The bike will be unveiled on Thursday October 9 and an auction will begin via charitybuzz.com. When the three-day Ironman 70.3 Miami expo begins on Friday  October 24, at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami, athletes and spectators will have an opportunity to bid live on the bike and other items. To place online bids, fans can visit: www.charitybuzz.com/brittobike.

“Art is the expression of human creative skill and imagination, whether it be painting or sculpture, to produce works that reflect beauty and emotional power,” said Leanda Cave. “I am honoured to support the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation on a bike of such mechanical and aesthetic beauty. On very few occasions do the expressive arts, mechanical function and the art of the sport come together as they do in this instance.”

Brazilian-born artist Romero Britto of Miami has long donated his art and time to children’s charities. “It’s a true honour to collaborate with Leanda Cave to support the work of the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation,’’ Britto said. “If my design can help to bring some much-needed awareness to the foundation to help children in need gain access to life-saving treatments, then our partnership has been a win for all.”

The auction will conclude on race day Sunday October 26 , with some of the proceeds going to support the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF). UHCCF is a charitable organization that provides medical grants to help children gain access to health-related services not covered, or not fully covered, by their parents’ commercial health insurance plan.

“The City Bikes Ironman 70.3 Miami is a wonderful event that raises awareness of the benefits of healthy living and exercise for people of all ages,” said Nicholas Zaffris, CEO of UnitedHealthcare of South Florida. “We are grateful to Leanda Cave and Romero Britto for lending their amazing talents to promote health and wellness, and for supporting the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation medical grant program for children and families in need.”