Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon
Partners for a Healthier Community involves a partnership which symbiotically improves both the general physical health of our community and the renewal of a community facility that houses a program whose mission is to support families and children going through challenging times.
Our goal is to create, promote and sustain an opportunity for youth in the City of Vernon and surrounding communities in the sport of triathlon. Youth from ages 6-19 years of age will be able to participate in Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon. A sprint distance triathlon will be offered as well for adults. The partners are North Okanagan Youth and Family Services Society (NOYFSS) and Mr. T's Kids of Steel and Sprint Triathlon.
"Our vision is to share the love of the sport with the youth and less fortunate in our community while giving them the opportunity to development self esteem, personal growth and self confidence."
Brian & Laura Travelbea, Race Directors. Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon.
How do we do this?
We present a short skit at the elementary school assemblies to demonstrate to the children what "triathlon" is. Our goal is to promote the concept that Mr. T's Kids of Steel & Sprint Triathlon is about participation and having fun. We acheive this goal by having children participate in the skit. Children that have previously participated in Mr. T's Tri are always anxious to share their experience with their peers. We also make sure each child is aware that as long as you have an approved helmet and as long as your bike is safe you can ride it at our race. Our sponsor, Sun Country cycle checks the bikes for free. The children have the opportunity to ask questions at the end of the presentation.
To date the partnership has worked in the following manner. NOYFSS has assisted the triathlon event by supplying volunteers to help with registration and course marshals. The triathlon organizers have committed to donating the profits from the event to NOYFSS. In the first year (2009) Mr. T's Triathlon donated $250; in the second year the participation level increased substantially and the proceeds to NOYFSS were $500.
Profits from Mr. T's Triathlon will be used to initiate the process of replacing Mara House, a child and youth therapeutic home. This resource was orginally built as a church in the 1940's. It was purchased and converted to a residential program in 1974. Since that time, the program has assisted over 1000 children and youth and their guardians to become better functioning cohesive familes.
As the participation in the triathlon grows the community benefits from the overall health benefits of a life sport that improves the health and well being of it's adherents.
With increased participation financial benefits to NOYFSS will grow correspondingly.
All children deserve an opportunity - " Simon Whitfield - Olympic Gold Medalist - started his journey as a Kids of Steel triathlete! "Please help us make the dream a reality.
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