Last week saw five mini triathlon events take place across the region with 2270 local school children taking part. The events were held in Stranraer, Newton Stewart, Annan, Sanquhar and Kirkcudbright.
Triathlon Trust, the official charity of British Triathlon, teamed up with Triathlon Scotland and the local Active Schools and Community Sports to provide these inclusive events. The events give children at the ages of 7 years – 14 years the opportunity to take part in the multisport event, consisting of swimming, cycling and running, many of which for the first time. Alternatives such as scooters, tandem, static bikes and disability trikes were provided to help make the events accessible for all. All participants received a completion medal along with a great sense of achievement. The events also had a great sense of community engagement with the support of youth leader groups, as well as volunteer helpers from local running, cycling, swimming and triathlon clubs and the wider community.
The Triathlon Trust are running a three year project in Dumfries and Galloway to help increase activity and encourage a healthy lifestyle in children age 7-14 years using the sport of triathlon. After school clubs, school and family inclusive events and taster sessions run across the region. These also rely on volunteer support to run. If you are interested in volunteering or would like your child to get involved please contact the local coordinator, Rebecca Bryson, on [email protected].
Triathlon Trust would like to thank the Holywood Trust and Garfield Western for their continued support with the project.
Mini Triathlon [Wigtown Area]
More than 1,000 pupils from local schools and learning centres took part in the Wigtown Area Mini Triathlon on 11 and 12 September.
Pupils from P5 to S2 completed a swim, bike/scooter ride, and a run, at Stranraer Academy on Monday and Douglas Ewart High School on Tuesday.
Wigtownshire saw the return of the Mini have a go triathlon event to Stranraer academy on Monday 11th September and for the first time at newton Stewart on Tuesday the 12th September.
The event was funded by the Hollywood Trust and delivered in partnership with the Council, British triathlon, Scottish Triathlon and the Triathlon Trust, which provides staff and equipment to enable all to take part, regardless of ability.
The day was also supported by secondary schools sports leaders, the Council’s Active Schools, YMCA, Newton Stewart Triathlon club, and other volunteers.
Councillor Jeff Leaver, chair of the Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning [CYPLL] committee, said: “The mini-triathlon events are non-competitive and all about taking part. The children gain a great sense of achievement by completing the swim, cycle and run. With adaptations for all abilities and fitness levels, the event was very inclusive and met our Council’s priorities of providing the best start for all our children and being inclusive. ” It was especially good to see people from the Learning Centres and Aird Unit participating.”
Councillor Ros Surtees, vice chair, said: “Physical Activity is vital in developing a healthier, smarter, stronger Scotland. Events such as this are a great opportunity for young people to try new activities and, hopefully, encourage ongoing participation. Every child who comes along has the opportunity to experience a fantastic sporting event and receive a medal for completing the course.”
Mini Triathlon: Stewartry Area
Around 400 pupils from 17 local schools took part in the Stewartry Area Mini Triathlon on 15 September.
Pupils completed a swim, bike/scooter ride, and a run, at Kirkcudbright Pool and in the grounds of Kirkcudbright Academy. Each participant was presented with a medal and goody bag.
The event was funded by the Hollywood Trust and delivered in partnership with the Council, British triathlon, Scottish Triathlon and the Triathlon Trust, which provides staff and equipment to enable all to take part, regardless of ability.
Organisers thanked Kirkcudbright Pool, Kirkcudbright Academy, the Squash Club, and Galloway Cricket Club, for providing facilities and volunteer helpers to make the event possible.
Those who took part should look out for the Triathlon Club in Kirkcudbright starting up soon.
Mini Triathlon Festival [Annandale & Eskdale]
Around 700 school pupils from local primary and secondary schools participated in the Annandale and Eskdale Mini-Triathlon Festival, held at Annan Swimming Pool on Wednesday 13 September.
The event was organised as a partnership of the Council’s Active Schools for Community Sport, Triathlon Scotland, The British Triathlon Trust, and Triathlon Trust Dumfries and Galloway, which receives funding through the Holywood Trust. The Triathlon was one of five taking place across the region last week.
The organisers thanked Annan Academy for the use of the facilities during the school day and providing sports leaders to help deliver the event. They also thanked all the volunteers, sports leaders, schools, teachers, and helpers for supporting with the day.
One head teacher said: “It was a wonderfully inclusive event. The pupils had a great day, especially those who have not taken part before. The staff and volunteers were very helpful, it was organised really well, and the atmosphere was great.”
