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INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT: CHRISTINE BLOSSER WITH IRONMAN HAWAII

By Hannah Baker (RPTA '13), Staff Writer

Hawaii is one of the most popular beach vacation destinations with people flocking there throughout the year to enjoy the soft sandy beaches, warm water, and tropical breezes.  One can snorkel, swim with dolphins, or soak up the sun while sipping on a pina colada. But if this isn’t your vision of an ideal time in Hawaii, you can follow the footsteps of RPTA graduating senior Christine Blosser and her internship with Kona IRONMAN where she has been working the past 10 weeks to help plan the coveted event.

Blosser’s internship with Kona IRONMAN consisted of working 50 hours per week and over 60 hours in the weeks leading up to the big race.  Knowing a few family members that have completed IRONMAN races in the past, Blosser took it upon herself to contact the Kona IRONMAN office and inquire about a possible internship. Blosser comments, “Once I contacted the office, I just had to provide my resume and references. I have never done triathlons, but after working at the Olympics last summer, I knew I wanted to be involved in large-scale sporting events.”

Day to day duties for IRONMAN 70.3 Hawaii (the triathlon’s proper name) kept Blosser busier than ever. “I managed the Expo, meaning that I had to contact vendors, collect payments, and coordinate with the host resort about what the needs were for each vendor.  I also kept track of Banquet Event Orders and completed any additional tasks the Event Director would assign for me,” Blosser explains.  “I was also responsible for writing four stories to be published and posted on the Ironman.com website.  These included a preview story of the race, an athlete highlight story, a partnership story, and a race-cap story,” Blosser adds.

The highlight of the internship for Blosser has been learning all aspects of putting on a huge event.  The experience has also taught her how to be prepared when challenges arise, particularly in an event setting.  Blosser comments, “I have heard so many amazing stories about how IRONMAN has changed athletes’ lives.  It is a great feeling to work so hard for something that brings so much joy to people.  I would absolutely recommend this internship to others!”  

    

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