Youths who have a hankering to test their grit against others of their age will have the perfect opportunity this year; once again Ponoka youths will be able to try out their stamina in Ponoka’s Tri-services Youth Triathlon June 16.
Two more categories have been added, said RCMP Staff Sgt. Cameron Chisholm. “”We’ve opened it up to adults and we also have teams this year.”
Race lengths differ per age category but Chisholm has seen six-year-old competitors at this triathlon. All youths can enter for free. “Anyone who competes as a youth we have random prizes that we give out as well.”
For Chisholm the best part of the competition is seeing competitors complete the race. “The excitement at the start and the satisfaction that I see on their completion.”
Adding two more categories came after some requests from residents. “We realized there was a demand for an adult division, so start training,” Chisholm advised.
He wants to make this an inclusive event but says the main focus is bringing youths out to compete. He feels sports and exercise offer a healthy lifestyle to younger people and the competition helps focus their energy on a positive experience. He enjoys seeing younger kids compete too.
“Before it starts there’s an excitement in the air,” added Chisholm. “The pre-competition atmosphere is exhilarating.”
Age categories for the triathlon are: six to seven years, eight to nine years, 10 to 11 years, 12 to 13 years, 14 to 15 years and 16 to 18 years. There are limited spots available for teams with two to three people aged 16 and up and adults are over 18.
He also praised the efforts of the Rotary Club of Ponoka and Scotty MacGregor, Ponoka Composite High School physical education instructor, for their efforts in driving interest in the event. Contact Chisholm at 403-783-4472 for more information.