Taking kids out of comfort zones
More than 4000 people made Frimley Park feel more like the Olympics as kids from around Hawke’s Bay took on a triathlon.
The 2020 Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon on a hot Tuesday morning had 1800 kids competing and about 4000 people at Frimley Park, Sanitarium spokesman Peter Levett said.
Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst was in attendance and participated in the kids’ warm-up on stage.
“I’m really, really proud to be at the triathlon, this is a fantastic event for our community and region, it’s all about having healthy, fit children and seeing them out there giving it a go and having fun.
“It’s not about winning it’s about having a good time,” she said.
Sporting celebrities netball legend Irene van Dyk, field hockey player Emily Gaddum, and Hawke’s Bay Magpie Kianu Kereru-Symes were also at the event to give out medals, be on the stage and encourage the kids.
“I really like these events because the kids have the opportunity to try something they don’t often get the opportunity to do — unlike netball or rugby which they get to do day in and day out,” van Dyke said.
“It’s nice for them to get out of their comfort zone and try something different. For them to finish and end up with a gold medal is pretty special,” she said.
Emily Gaddum, now an ambassador for the event, competed in one of the earliest triathlons in Wellington when she was seven.
“It’s a neat atmosphere, it’s so well-organised and it’s all about having fun. It’s one of the highlights of the year for kids and they all feel included. Getting their medal is great,” she said.
Blake Bramwell, 10, travelled to Hastings from Gisborne with his mother Diane Renolds to compete in his second kids’ TRYathlon of the year.
“I just love the encouragement aspect of it. He just always has such a great time,” Renolds said.
Scarlett McIvor competed on her 10th birthday.
“I love it because it’s fun and I love to run, bike and swim,” she said. Children could compete individually in all three legs or in a team of two.