Kids happy to have a tri
TRIATHLON EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS
A FORMER Great Britain triathlete helped give local children with disabilities the opportunity to take part in the event she loves.
For the fifth year running, Jo Shallcross, from Ponteland, organised the Children’s Disability Triathlon, which took place yesterday.
With the help of her friend, Tracey Sample and the event’s sponsors, SOS Group, Jo was able to help youngsters with disabilities try their hand at swimming, cycling and running.
Two special guests also attended – former Toon star Steve Harper and Newcastle swimmer and European gold medallist Nick Pyle.
The event is designed especially for children with disabilities who would normally be challenged by the thought of doing a triathlon by adapting distances according to ability.
Jo said: “It’s really special seeing the children come back year after year and you get the biggest hugs when they come in. They’re just so happy to be back again. It’s like a highlight of their year and I know it is for me and Tracey. We just love it and it’s so worth doing. “Every year the children push themselves to the max. Even if their health is deteriorating a little bit, they still come and do whatever they can do on the day. It’s great to see how much taking part means to them.” The Children’s Disability Triathlon is sponsored by Team Valleybased copy, print and scan management company SOS Group, and they were thrilled to provide medals and T-shirts for all participants, as well as a video of the day. This year, there were 35 participants and the youngest was just six. There was also a small group of young adults involved, trying the triathlon for the first time. Santiago Candal, 12, from Gosforth, successfully completed all three events and was supported by his enthusiastic family. Dad, Jaime Candal, said: “It’s the second time Santiago has taken part. He loved it last year but
The children push themselves to the max... It’s great to see how much taking part means to them Jo Shallcross
found the bike ride very difficult. This year he rode really well so we’re all very proud of him and pleased about that.
“He goes swimming once a week at Northumbria University and does a range of activities through Percy Hedley but this is the only time he gets to do a triathlon. This is his annual event to prove his fitness.”
Santiago added: “I like swimming and running and riding. I don’t have a favourite event because I like all three. Running is the final stage and I’m very fast.”
Nick Pyle and Steve Harper helped present the medals at the end of the triathlon.
Steve said: “This is such great day. I came a couple of years ago and it’s brilliant to give these kids the opportunity to swim, ride and run no matter what their ability.
“It’s amazing to see the smiles on their faces and the sense of achievement they obviously get. And it’s great to see them all get a medal at the end and go home very, very happy.”
Andrew Skelton, director at SOS Group, added: “We are so proud to support this wonderful event.”
Based at the David Lloyd Club, in Gosforth, The Children’s Disability Triathlon is supporting the Smile For Life children’s charity, with some participants choosing to be sponsored for their involvement.