February 23, 2006

Kids give it a try at Narrowneck Beach

The world's biggest sporting event for children is coming to North Shore City for the first time - and it's time to get in training.

The Weet-Bix Tryathlon will be held at Devonport's Narrowneck Beach on April 2.

Anyone aged between eight and 15-years-old can enter the tryathlon, which includes a swim, bike and run, either as an individual or as part of a team of two or three.

North Shore City mayor, George Wood, is delighted the council is supporting the event.

"It's great for kids in North Shore City to have the opportunity to take part in the Weet-Bix Tryathlon in their own backyard," he says.

"It's not about coming first, it's about kids having a go and achieving their best result they can - for their own personal satisfaction," says the man who completed a marathon himself.

Supporting the tryathlon also fits in with North Shore City Council's Youth Destinations Plan, and the Auckland Region Physical Activity and Sport Strategy.

The goal is to get young people more active in their leisure time.

"Events like the tryathlon give young people the opportunity to improve their lifestyle and their health, and enjoy themselves while they're doing it," says Mr Wood.

Children who are keen to get in training for the big day can join the Weet-Bix Try Trainer programme at Birkenhead Leisure Centre. It starts on February 27, three times a week for a month.

Every tryathlete registered for the event at Narrowneck Beach on April 2 will get a race pack with everything they need for the event, and afterwards a medal and an official certificate.

To find out more please visit www.northshorecity.govt.nz or to enter online visit www.weet-bix.co.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media