Youth encouraged to compete in Abu Dhabi ITU World Triathlon

While the second annual ITU World Triathlon Series in Abu Dhabi will pit some of the world’s fittest men and women against each other, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) is hoping that the event inspire young people of all fitness levels to take up sport.

Abu Dhabi Sports Council Technical Director Talal Al Hashemi explains “it’s no secret that here in the UAE we do have problems with youth obesity, and we are extremely keen to get all youngsters living in Abu Dhabi out being active in our great outdoors.

“Getting youngsters involved in sport is one of the key pillars of ADSC, and junior triathlons fit the bill extremely well as they are designed to be fun events.”

This year’s triathlon will feature a ‘tiny’ triathlon for children as young as five, as well as junior super sprint and aquathlon competitions. The council is encouraging schools to promote triathlete training to their pupils.

It is a challenge that the four Abu Dhabi National Oil Company Schools in Abu Dhabi, led by physical education teacher Lisa Jane Proctor, have been keen to take on.

Last year, six of her female pupils competed in the ITC Triathlon, and this year she has 15.

Proctor stated “I started a swimming team for girls when I came to Adnoc School in 2013, but there were very limited events for the students to compete in.”

In 2014, she began a school triathlon club and held a National Day Triathlon for her students.

Proctor added “it was the only way that my Emirati girls could compete in a triathlon - they swum with only girls and female adults in the pool, and then were happy to run and cycle outside.”

Since then, Proctor has organised two more triathlons, with students from other schools competing.

The Abu Dhabi Triathlon is the first event in the 2016 ITU World Triathlon series. It is being held on 4th and 5th March.

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