In Australia, regional state governing body Triathlon NSW, in partnership with Achieve Sports, is providing more opportunities for juniors to get a start in triathlon, conducting TRYStars programs across New South Wales (NSW) in addition to Triathlon NSW club run programs.
TRYstars is an eight hour ‘first touch’ junior participation program for 7-12 year olds that encourages kids to get active through triathlon. Triathlon NSW adds that TRYStars focuses on ‘FUNdamental movement skills such as agility, balance, coordination, speed, running and jumping through swim, ride and run games.’
The latest round of TRYstars programs will commence on 30 July 2016 and run over an eight-week period.
After-school and weekend programs will run one hour per week over an eight-week period. School holiday programs will run over two half days or one full day.
The course cost is AU$200 + GST. This includes:
- Eight hours of swim, bike and run fun
- A bag, long sleeve top, elastic laces and swim cap
- Discounted Triathlon Australia junior membership
- Discount vouchers from local organisations
- Insurance
TRYStars is an introduction into the sport of triathlon for children aged 7 – 12 years old, which has a focus on fun & enjoyment, while encouraging kids to be with friends and make new friends. It enables kids to develop skills, ability and fitness in a non-competitive environment. TRYStars has been developed to encourage healthy and active participation in the sport. It plays an integral role as the first step of the participation pathway for all juniors.
There are two programs:
- The Mini Stars programs are for children aged 7-9 years old
- The Super Stars programs are for children aged 10-12 years old
TRYStars participants need to be able to swim 50m and should be able to cycle unaided without the use of training wheels.
TRYstars is delivered by Triathlon Australia accredited TRYstars coaches. All coaches also have first aid (including CPR) and asthma and analyhaxis certificates and a Working with Children check.
3 of the 8 TRYStars sessions are swimming based activities and are located at a designated swimming pool unless otherwise stated. A few summer programs are located in open water. In these circumstances this will be clearly identified at registration.
The other 5 sessions are conducted in a traffic-free environment (park, oval, sports and recreation centre, etc.).
