Tri-Fun triathalon series for children launches in Vaughan

Yorkregion.com
March 27, 2014
By Adam Martin-Robbins

Childhood obesity rates in Canada are soaring and parents, health care agencies and governments across the country are struggling to find ways of getting children off the couch and moving around.

That is, in part, what inspired a pair of physically active Oakville moms to launch a new triathlon race series for children aged three to 13, which kicks off in Vaughan Sunday, June 22.

“The goal is to get kids active and feeling great about themselves,” said Lianne Warne, who, along with her neighbour and business partner at Jenli Events Management Inc., Jennifer Stretch, are the driving force behind the series.

“A sport like triathlon is accessible, it’s inclusive, it doesn’t take a lot of equipment. And we want kids to get out from behind the TV screen and computer screen and be active and find joy in participating in sport.”

Dubbed Tri-Fun Kids’ Triathlon, the series takes place throughout the summer in five communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe including Vaughan, Guelph, Milton, Mississauga and Oakville.

The Vaughan race starts with the swim portion at North Thornhill Community Centre, then the run and biking portions will take kids to the finish line at Stephen Lewis Secondary School.

“We thought it’s a fun new thing to bring to Vaughan and as soon as we approached the city and told them what we were doing, they thought this is fantastic,” Ms Warne explained. “It engages a lot of community partners. We are working with a lot of local organizations such as the Vaughan Aquatic Club and the Vaughan library system. We’re really trying to bring the community into this as well.”

It costs $49, plus HST, to enter the race and you’ll need a bicycle that is in good working order, a bike helmet that fits properly, a swimsuit and a pair of closed-toe running shoes.

All participants get a T-shirt and a medal when they cross the finish line.

In addition to the race, there is a fun zone featuring bouncy castles, face painting and an interactive Lego experience.

Vaughan Public Libraries will be on hand to launch the TD Summer Reading Club, while McDonald’s will be handing out free coffee to parents.

“The focus is on having fun, it’s non-competitive,” Ms Warne said. “It’s a very inclusive, approachable-type family fun and supportive environment. That’s part of the reason we called our series Tri-Fun. We want everyone to come and have fun, leave feeling great and have a really positive experience.”

To find out more visit trifunkids.com