Borough school children get Brownlee triathlon introduction!

Children from schools across Nuneaton, Bedworth, Rugby and Leicestershire took part

The action packed morning, designed to give primary school children an introduction to triathlon and enable them to try something new, saw a huge turnout with 700 children taking part, including 150 pupils from just one school.

The Brownlee Foundation, set up by triathletes Alistair and Jonny Brownlee was founded with the aim of allowing as many young people as possible to experience Triathlon and encourage the enjoyment of sport. With no need for any previous triathlon experience, the events are fun, non-competitive and inclusive to enable children of all abilities to take part.

Volunteers from Nuneaton Triathlon Club, PCSOs, Triathlon Trust and Nuneaton Harriers provided help during the events which included swimming, cycling and running.

Fred Heath, volunteer from Nuneaton Triathlon Club said:

“It’s amazing, I’ve not seen this format before but the kids are loving it! Everyone’s got a huge smile on their face!”

Mike Jubb, CEO of Triathlon Trust said:

“It’s superb that the Brownlee Foundation and Aldi are getting kids active through Triathlon. We all need to try harder to encourage children to be healthy and tackle the problems of childhood obesity, and this is such a fun and inclusive way of doing that.”

Charis Palmer-Smeaton from the Brownlee Foundation said:

“This foundation was set up by Alistair and Jonathan with the aim to encourage children to be fit and healthy. It gives them an introduction to Triathlon in a fun and enjoyable way. It’s inclusive, so you can just take part and have a go! We then signpost to local Triathlon clubs such as Nuneaton Tri Club and the Junior Tri Club, which is in its early stages of being established."

“It’s great to see so many children trying something new and enjoying it! A huge thank you to the sponsors and partners involved; Aldi, Huub for providing the swim hats, Pingles Leisure Centre and the Pingles Track.”

A teacher from Avon SEN School said:

“The kids were a bit nervous to begin with, as they didn’t know what to expect (and neither did I!) but they have absolutely loved it, and the staff and volunteers have made them all feel comfortable and motivated.”

Nick Wilson, Facilities Manager at Pingles track said:

“It’s so great to have a fully inclusive event being held here, it’s all about participation and it’s amazing to see the kids having a go at something they’d never have the chance to experience otherwise. There’s so many smiles everywhere!”