On Sunday 22nd June Derry City Council Sports & Leisure Department and North West Triathlon Club will be hosting the 'firmus energy Kids TRYathlon' in Templemore Sports Complex. This is the second year the city has held this event and with the support of Triathlon Ireland, North West Triathlon Club and firmus energy, we will see local primary and post primary children taking to the pool, field and track for this exciting event.
Pupils aged between 8 and 15 years will be invited to enter one of three events; Aquathon (swim & run), Duathlon (run-bike-run) or the TRYathlon (swim-bike-run) all within the centre grounds. This event follows last year’s successful triathlon events within the city including the firmus energy City of Culture Triathlon and the 2013 Kids TRYathlon and will continue to showcase the growing sport of Triathlon within the North West.
Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly welcoming the programme
Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly welcoming the programme said he supported any project that encouraged physical exercise, good relations and a healthy lifestyle: "I look forward to attending on the day and watching our children completing their chosen event. I want to further congratulate Derry City Council Sports & Leisure Team and North West Triathlon Club for their efforts in running events such as this and promoting the sporting legacy from a range of events in 2013. I would also like to commend firmus energy for their continued support."
2014 is set to be another great year in the Derry sporting calendar
The event is being supported by Derry City Council’s Sports Development and their Community Health Manager, Thomas McCallion, said: "2014 is set to be another great year in the Derry sporting calendar. 2013 was a great year with the City of Culture and this year Derry City Council is pleased to announce even more sporting events for our local young people and future stars. The upcoming TRYathlon will involve local primary and post primary school children from ages of 8 to 15 years old. I am delighted to support the development of Triathlon within the city and the excellent programmes on offer from North West Triathlon Club.
Triathlon Ireland continue to develop new coaching structures
"It is also pleasing the see Triathlon Ireland continue to develop new coaching structures and club events within the North West and this can only help cement and build the structures required for the development of the sport of triathlon which will see more and more young people taking it up as their sport of choice. I am grateful to confirm the support of firmus energy and building on our relationship to further advance the sport of Triathlon in the city".
We are delighted to come back on board for a second year
Michael Scott, general manager of title sponsor, firmus energy, added: "We are delighted to come back on board for a second year to help ‘power local talent’ and support potential local sports stars of the future. The children will be taking part in ‘Aquathon’, ‘Duathlon’ and ‘Triathlon’ events, which involve elements of swimming, running and cycling, as part of the weekend’s TRYathlon festivities. All of the children participating will receive medals so it really is all about taking part. Getting involved in sport is a reward in itself and the children are bound to feel a huge sense of achievement after completing the event. They will hopefully have had the chance to make new friends and try new challenges, as well as becoming more aware of the importance the part played by exercise and nutrition in keeping fit and healthy."
Gerry McDermott, North West Triathlon Junior Club, added: "2014 has been a year of change for North West Triathlon Club as following the successful Kids TRYathlon in 2013 we have established the North West Triathlon Junior Club where we have weekly coaching sessions for local budding triathletes or those keen to know more about the sport. The membership is growing significantly and we are delighted at the support of Derry City Council, firmus energy and Triathlon Ireland which allows us to continue to offer a wide choice of coaching sessions and events for all our young athletes. Those participating in the kids’ triathlon events may very well be the local sports stars of the future so we are proud to be able to play a role in encouraging and developing the young talent in the area. I hope all those taking part have a great experience and that this event is a memorable one for all involved."
For more information contact Sports Development Department on 028 71365151 or email sportsdevelopment@derrycity.gov.uk