Devon Intermediate Students Welcome Visiting US Triathletes

20th March 2014

For immediate release from Port Taranaki New Plymouth ITU World Cup Triathlon

Free to use editorial image attached, credit: Scott Taylor/ITU

Devon Intermediate Students Welcome Visiting American Triathletes

Devon Intermediate School in New Plymouth turned on the stars and stripes today when welcoming American triathletes into their school and into their city for the Port Taranaki ITU New Plymouth World Cup this weekend.

The school visit is part of a programme run by the local organising committee where schools pair up with a visiting country to welcome them into the city and support them on Sunday when racing takes place at Ngamotu Beach and is thanks to the support of one of the event partners, TSB Trust.

Event Director Terry Sheldrake says the visits have gone down a treat.

“TSB Community Trust is the key partner in supporting us in this initiative to engage with the community and in particular the children in New Plymouth so they are aware of the event but also can undertake some learning in the classroom about the sport and the countries that the athletes come from. The Port Taranaki ITU World Cup event is a huge benefit for the region with the number of athletes, support staff and coaches that are visiting the region, contributing to the local economy while they are here. We are indebted to TSB Trust, Venture Taranaki and Port Taranaki for their support but also the athletes for their time and the schools for the energy they have put into this, everyone has engaged with plenty of smiles and enthusiasm in what has been a win-win for all.”

In all 15 schools have taken part in the community initiative, engaging the school children in the sport and at the same time having them understand a little more about the country they are ‘paired’ up with. For the athletes it is essentially rent-a-crowd away from home, with a little colour and support ensured for them during racing on Sunday as children wave national flags and get dressed in various countries national colours – as well as a chance to meet those in the communities in which they are staying and racing and give something back as a thank you for the hospitality they will receive.

The American triathletes were welcomed into the Devon Intermediate School Hall with a huge round of applause as they marched behind USA banners and stars and stripes adorned students, before they were introduced to the assembled students and then engaged in a question and answer session on all things from how long is it since they have been home to what has been the toughest challenge for them to overcome in sport?

The American’s delighted in the efforts of the children, taking time to chat with them and pose for photos while also busy posting their own pictures and comments in social media sites such as Twitter, sending the Devon Intermediate School name around the world and reaffirming New Zealand’s reputation for a friendly and enthusiastic welcome to our international visitors.

Racing takes place on Sunday at Ngamotu Beach, New Plymouth. The day begins with age group events from 7.30am, with the ITU Elite Women at midday and ITU Elite Men at 2pm over the sprint distance.

Image Caption: Students of Devon Intermediate pose with the American triathletes ahead of Sunday’s Port Taranaki ITU New Plymouth World Cup. From left: Jarrod Shoemaker, Ben Kanute, Joe Maloy (back row standing), Katie Hursey.

ENDS

ITU ELITE PRESS CONFERENCE
Friday 21st March
Midday sharp
335 Devon Street East
In the KCL Buildings
Parking available in designated areas

An ITU preview on the elite races is online now CLICK HERE

Full start lists CLICK HERE

Age group racing on the Sunday morning will cater for everyone from beginners to experts, all over the short sprint distance (750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run) with a relay option where competitors can do one of the disciplines before passing on to their team mate to complete the next leg of the race.

Entries are open at www.itunewplymouthtriathlon.co.nz

Port Taranaki New Plymouth ITU World Cup Triathlon
New Plymouth
Sunday March 23rd
7.30am Corporate and Age Group racing starts
Midday Elite Women, ITU World Cup
2.00pm Elite Men, ITU World Cup

For further information monitor the website: www.itunewplymouthtriathlon.co.nz

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