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Uproar ends triathlon at infamous 'Angola' prison in Louisiana
Source: Reuters
World | Thu Mar 3, 2016 1:35pm EST
Uproar ends triathlon at infamous 'Angola' prison in Louisiana
BY LETITIA STEIN
A triathlon promising athletes an opportunity to compete in a notorious Louisiana prison has been canceled after organizers said they had received threats over the event planned at a maximum security penitentiary on a former slave plantation.
The "Escape from Angola Triathlon," scheduled for March 20, drew criticism for appearing insensitive and sensationalizing a prison famed for its harsh conditions for prisoners, including some of the longest stretches in solitary confinement in U.S. history.
Organizers, who had worked with the state, defended the concept, noting in the statement that the site offered a tough course and "a way to showcase some beautiful Louisiana countryside."
But it drew outrage from critics over social media, as well as objections from prisoners' advocates, local media reported. The event was called offensive and insensitive given the history and present use of the institution.
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Uproar ends triathlon at infamous 'Angola' prison in Louisiana
BY LETITIA STEIN
A triathlon promising athletes an opportunity to compete in a notorious Louisiana prison has been canceled after organizers said they had received threats over the event planned at a maximum security penitentiary on a former slave plantation.
The "Escape from Angola Triathlon," scheduled for March 20, drew criticism for appearing insensitive and sensationalizing a prison famed for its harsh conditions for prisoners, including some of the longest stretches in solitary confinement in U.S. history.
Organizers, who had worked with the state, defended the concept, noting in the statement that the site offered a tough course and "a way to showcase some beautiful Louisiana countryside."
But it drew outrage from critics over social media, as well as objections from prisoners' advocates, local media reported. The event was called offensive and insensitive given the history and present use of the institution.
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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-louisiana-prison-idUSKCN0W52BP