Market: New York, Boston, San Francisco 

Athlete: Paul Marino (Pioneer Investments) 

If you can’t find a reason to do it for yourself, find a reason to do it for others. It’s a motto I live by to keep myself active, productive, and unselfish.

I’ve been fortunate my entire life to be healthy. I never take that for granted and any chance I get to help those who haven’t been as fortunate as I am, is an easy decision for me to get involved. So when I was asked to compete in The Decathlon to benefit pediatric cancer research, I jumped at the chance to participate. 

 
Pioneer Investments formed a team quickly in 2015 and we promoted within. Our team got involved both in training for the physical commitment and in fundraising for the critically important charitable commitment to POETIC. The response and generosity by friends, family, and my Pioneer colleagues was remarkable. It showed the character of the people at Pioneer and the entire Wall Street Community as a whole.

When team Pioneer arrived at St. John’s University, we were blown away by how well the event was organized and run. The gear was amazing, the volunteers were committed and happy to help, and the competitors were inspiring. It would be a day to challenge ourselves physically, to push limits, to make friends, and to raise money for those who so desperately can use the help. Wow, what a day. I participated in all 10 events, and it was humbling. I remember getting off the rower and crashing to the floor, walking it off, and then coming right back over to cheer on my teammates. We were raising a lot of money and we were having fun doing it.

This year I’m proud to say that Pioneer Investments is a presenting sponsor of The Decathlon, and I am on the Competitor Board for The Decathlon’s expansion to Boston. I will participate on a team in New York and San Francisco and as an individual in Boston. It is so rewarding to be a part of the growth and expansion of such a worthwhile cause and it motivates me to train.

I was a baseball and football player in high school and as a young man, it was easy to stay in shape. Especially because I came from a very athletic town on Long Island and all around me were like-minded athletes that motivated each other. I received a Division I baseball scholarship, which kept me focused on my education, achievement, teamwork, and giving back. Today, The Decathlon fills that motivation. I’m so proud to be a part of this great organization and plan to compete in Decathlons for years to come.