In 2024, we signed up to participate in a half-ironman (70.3 mile) triathlon in upstate New York. Since 1983, the Tupper Lake Tinman race has brought together participants from Canada, the US and abroad to compete, creating a community of athletes that transcends national borders.

Sadly, the re-election of President Trump has led to a wave of instability, aggression, and callous disregard for democracy and the rule of law. In a time where the relationship between our once close nations are fraught, we have decided to withdraw from the race (see our full message to the race director below).

Instead, we still be putting our training to good use, and will build our own, DIY triathlon this side of the border (exact route to be determined). In addition, we are raising funds to help combat some of the worst effects of the Trump administration's ill-considered cuts to the US Government, such as the gutting of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), by donating the proceeds to Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Canada.

MSF is an independent humanitarian medical relief organization, providing emergency medical care to people affected by war, civil strife, epidemics, natural disasters and social marginalization -- all of are worsening as a result of the US' new foreign policy direction. As the US drift into authoritarianism continues to destabilize the world, their work remains essential to preserving the humanitarian ideals that we stand for.

We know that times are tough, and that that most do not have a lot of funds to spare right now but please consider donating as little or as much as you feel you can. Every bit matters.

Sincerely,

Surya and co.

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MESSAGE TO TUPPER LAKE TINMAN ORGANIZERS

I am writing to formally withdraw from this year's Tupper Lake Tinman triathlon. While this was a race I had been looking forward to, I can no longer justify participating in a U.S.-based event under the current political climate.

As a Canadian, I am deeply disturbed by the Trump administration’s actions on multiple fronts. The threats of annexation, and aggressive imposition of tariffs on Canada and other allies is not merely bad policy—it is a form of economic warfare aimed at division and coercion. Even more troubling is the administration’s reprehensible treatment of migrants and asylum seekers: the unlawful detainment and disappearance of individuals, the forced separation of families, and the systemic erosion of human rights and legal protections.

This administration has also shown callous disregard for democracy and global stability [...] and consistently disrespected democratic norms at home and abroad. These are not isolated issues—they are part of a broader pattern of cruelty, self-interest, and authoritarian drift that I cannot ignore.

Participating in a race in the United States, while these abuses continue, would feel deeply hypocritical. I cannot in good conscience cross the border to compete while the very government hosting me actively undermines the values of justice, compassion, and international solidarity.

I believe that if our values mean anything, we must be willing to make sacrifices to defend them. This boycott is personal, it is serious, and it is rooted in the conviction that silence and inaction enable injustice.

This decision is not directed at your organization, which I recognize as separate from these policies. But no event is apolitical in times like these. Where we choose to spend our time, money, and energy matters.

Thank you for your understanding.

Sincerely,

Surya Sarkar-Huot

Montreal, Quebec

The Sovereign State of CANADA