One of the world’s largest and longest running kids triathlon series will keep the sport’s Olympic legacy alive in 2015 with a special event at one of London 2012’s most iconic venues.
The popular Tata – Kids of Steel triathlon series will return for the ninth year with ten events between May and July. And organisers British Triathlon and Tata Steel will be carrying on the work started by London 2012 to ‘inspire a generation’ by holding the final event of this year’s series at the London Aquatics Centre and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Youngsters aged 8 to 13 will have the chance to experience the thrill of swimming in the same pool in which world records were broken during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. They will then cycle around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park before completing their triathlon by running to the finishing line to pick up their unique Tata – Kids of Steel medal.
By the end of 2015 more than 70,000 youngsters will have taken part in the Tata – Kids of Steel triathlon series.
The full list of events is detailed below:
- May 19 – The Pods leisure centre, Scunthorpe
- May 20 – International Swimming Pool, Corby
- June 3 – Workington Leisure Centre
- June 4 – Eston Leisure Centre, Teesside
- June 9 – Wishaw Sports Centre
- June 26 – Alun Leisure Centre, Mold
- June 29 – Westfield Sports Centre, Sheffield
- July 7 – National Pool, Swansea
- July 9 – International Sports Village, Newport
- July 14 – London Aquatics Centre and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
“Tata – Kids of Steel gives youngsters of all abilities the chance to participate in sport in a fun and safe environment,” said Tata Steel’s Director of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Sytske Seyffert.
“We’re very excited to be reaching a major milestone of giving more than 70,000 youngsters the opportunity to ’try a tri‘ by the end of 2015, and combining this with an event in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park we hope will inspire many more youngsters to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.”
The Tata – Kids of Steel triathlon events are part of Tata Steel’s Community Partnership Programme, which supports future generations predominantly in the areas in which the company operates.
Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said “The Tata – Kids of Steel triathlon series is a hugely successful product for the sport, breaking down the traditional barriers to taking part. It is great to continue the long-standing work we do with Tata Steel, and we are also delighted that the series will once again be delivered by our charitable arm, the British Triathlon Trust, which was set up to help us inspire a generation.”
Adam Bowden from Watford, a member of British Triathlon’s UK Sport Lottery funded World-Class Performance Programme and an ambassador for The British Triathlon Trust, added “I have been competing in triathlon since 2009 and have seen the popularity of the sport rise every year. London is a city full of triathlon history after the London 2012 Olympic Games and to celebrate introducing over 70,000 youngsters to the sport through Tata – Kids of Steel is another landmark moment in my home city.”
Tata Steel has sponsored the British Triathlon Federation since 2006, and is continuing its association as its Community Sponsor, supporting Tata – Kids of Steel and having a positive impact on the lives of young people throughout Great Britain.
www.britishtriathlon.org
www.tatasteeleurope.com
