Jonny and Al try a tri
700 children learn from the best
This just in from the British Triathlon Federation…
Today, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee inspired over 700 local school children in Leeds to take part in Tata Kids of Steel – a free and fully equipped mini-triathlon event, aimed at giving youngsters a hands-on experience of one of the UK’s fastest growing sports.
Alistair, who will be aiming to add a third successive victory in the Madrid leg of the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Championship Series next weekend, was delighted to see so many children experiencing triathlon commenting: “I think it’s really great. 700 kids are going to try a triathlon, along with 18,000 people around the country [this year]. What better way to introduce the young people of today into triathlon and let’s hope even a tiny proportion of them make the next step and do a bit more of it in the future.”
Jonathan was equally impressed by what the children from over 30 schools were doing adding: “It’s great seeing people having fun and that’s the main thing. Everyone started with a swim, a 60m swim, round a few buoys – there were a few elbows flying in the buoys. They come out on the track and do three laps on the bike. They all have bikes here, so everyone is joining in and then they go for a 300m run. Everyone is having a great time and finishing with a big smile on their face. It’s great to see people trying hard and the most important thing is seeing people doing sport and having fun whilst doing sport.”
The event was organised by British Triathlon in partnership with Tata Steel and follows a national survey of 1,500 children. The research, commissioned by the steel manufacturer, revealed a generation of children who are turning their back on physical activity in favour of keeping ‘digitally fit’ by watching TV, playing video games and chatting on social networks.
The event was the eighth event of this year’s Tata Kids of Steel events, which aim to give 14,000 children across 18 events nationwide a positive experience of triathlon. Tata Kids of Steel events are free to enter, accessible to all and geared simply towards encouraging children to have fun and take part, regardless of ability.
British Triathlon aims to promote excellence in our sport, and create opportunities for everyone to achieve their personal triathlon challenges.. Tata Steel is the Corporate Partner of British Triathlon and is proud to be enabling the sport of triathlon. www.britishtriathlon.org
Visit www.britishtriathlonmedia.org for downloadable image galleries, detailed athlete profiles, results, stats and information.
Manisha
