First National Series for New Zealand’s Fastest Growing Sport
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(l-r): First entrant in the National Series, Wellington Triathlon Club member Martin van Barneveld, is congratulated by
Triathlon New Zealand CEO David Beeche.
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First entrant in the National Series, Wellington Triathlon Club member Martin van Barneveld announces his support of the
National Series
MEDIA RELEASE
10 August 2006
First National Series for New Zealand’s Fastest Growing Sport
Triathlon New Zealand today [10 August] announced the opportunity for every New Zealander aged 13 years and over to
compete in a triathlon.
Triathlon New Zealand President, Garry Boon, said New Zealand’s fastest growing sport – triathlon - now has its own
national series of events which aims to increase participation in triathlons throughout the country.
“The inaugural National Series which is being sponsored by Contact Energy, will give all New Zealanders the opportunity
to take part in a triathlon regardless of their age, ability or location,” Garry said.
“Many triathlon events are targeted at specific age groups or are only run in the main centres whereas the National
Series will span the length and breadth of New Zealand.”
The National Series is a nationwide series of nine events which will be held over the summer months from November 2006
to March 2007.
Events will be held in Auckland, Rotorua, Kinloch, Whangamata, Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier, Nelson and
Christchurch. The first triathlon to kickstart the series will take place in New Plymouth on 11 November.
“Each venue will host two races - a participation race and a Contact Energy New Zealand Cup race,” Garry said.
The participation race caters to the first time competitor, and the second race is a medium to advanced level
competition open to competitors over the age of 18.
Competitors in this second race can win prizes and also accumulate points which could see them take out the Contact
Energy New Zealand Cup, at the completion of the series.
Contact Energy Chief Executive, David Baldwin, said the Company is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the National
Series, which he hopes will encourage even more New Zealanders to get involved in the sport.
“The National Series is a perfect fit with Contact’s commitment to creating positive energy. We are delighted to be able
to help Triathlon New Zealand create a new series which will help nurture New Zealand’s emerging triathlon talent, as
well as promote participation and develop this exciting sport,” David said.
“Contact hopes our support of this brand new National Series will encourage greater numbers of New Zealanders to enter
triathlons and gain a real sense of achievement from competing.”
Registrations for the Triathlon New Zealand National Series are open from today. To register visit www.triathlon.org.nz
or www.nationaltriathlonseries.com
ENDS