Kids Triathlon Inc.

Description

EVENT OVERVIEW

• Organized by Kids Triathlon, Inc. (a 501c(3) entity), this event will attract 800+ racers to the UH campus. This is one of a select group of USAT sanctioned kids triathlons in South Texas during 2012, and it has the potential to become the largest kids triathlon in Texas in its 1 st year.

• Race distances are set by the USAT and are designed to be challenging but achievable for kids. Ages 5 - 10 will swim 100 yards; bike 3 miles; and run 0.5 miles. Ages 11 - 15 will swim 200 yards; bike 6 miles; and run 1 mile. The swim is in the UH pool, and the bike and run courses are closed to traffic with the safety of the participants the primary objective.

• One of the hallmarks of the Houston Kids Triathlon is our goal to attract as many first-time triathletes as possible. We want to connect with kids who would not otherwise even dream about competing in a triathlon. At the center of this effort is our Team Fundraising Program through which we encourage schools, neighborhoods, leagues, churches, companies and other organizations to form teams of 10 or more kids. In return for participating as a team (each kid still does the entire race on their own), Kids Triathlon will donate $10 per child back to the sponsoring organization.

• At least 16 of the YMCA branches across Houston will conduct a 7-week training course to help prepare the kids for the race. These sessions will be open to the public and will start in mid February. They will focus on general conditioning along with specific tips and techniques for each of the 4 disciplines required in triathlons - swimming, biking, running and transitions.

• The Houston Kids Triathlon will be one of very few events nationwide to incorporate Celebrity Big Kids™. The top priority of these "famous racers" from throughout the community is to help the kids have more fun. In addition to cheering for the kids, they will bring publicity to the event, hand out awards and sign autographs. As a finale to race day, the Big Kids will bust out their triathlon gear and take part in their very own Celebrity Triathlon (on the Junior course).

• Another unique component of the Houston Kids Triathlon is our Pre-Race Pep Rally the night before the race. This gives all participants an opportunity to pick-up their race packets and to preview the race course. The highlight of the evening will be a Pep Talk delivered by at least one member of the Celebrity Big Kids. It will also give everyone another chance to recognize and to thank our sponsors.

• Successful completion of the event will result in more than $15,000 of charitable donations. There are 2 primary beneficiaries of the 2012 event:
• Fundraising opportunities for teams, leagues, churches, community organizations and schools who bring 10+ kids to the race (paid on a per child basis); and
• The YMCA of Greater Houston’s Strong Kids Program.

• Triathlon is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, and this event introduces kids to a healthy, positive lifestyle that encourages daily exercise, good nutrition and making the right choices. It is a sport that rewards preparation, strength, endurance and attention to detail.