Creating new pathways to Tri
A great new initiative has opened up pathways for aspiring young First Peoples endurance athletes to test their mettle by taking on the sport of triathlon.
Backed by our Strengthening Regional Community Sport program, AusTriathlon recently partnered with the Clontarf Foundation to run an introductory triathlon program at six Clontarf Academies in regional locations including Bairnsdale, Mildura, Robinvale, Ballarat, Warrnambool, and Swan Hill.
Since 2000, Clontarf Academies have been established at several schools across regional Victoria to support young Aboriginal students as they navigate their pathway through school into employment.
Hundreds of young First Peoples students attending the Academies across the state took up the AusTriathlon program challenge.
For many, this was their first time training for an endurance event with participants provided the extra incentive of securing a spot at an AusTriathlon multi-sport event at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre (MSAC) on 17 June.
The multi-sport event saw more than 80, 14 to 17-year-old Clontarf students and 30 program partners arranged in teams with other students from their academy. Each team work together to cycle and run as far as possible.
Together, all teams covered more than 649 kilometres at the event. The event culminated with an awards presentation in the MSAC Champions Room where effort and teamwork were celebrated.
Nadelle Legg, Victorian State Manager from Austriathlon said, ‘The event exceeded everyone’s expectations, the boys and mentors embraced the team aspect of event and the fantastic facilities. Plans are already underway for next year.’
Ben Djuve, Clontarf’s VIC Regional Manager said, ’It’s great to see our young students from each regional Academy embrace this opportunity to test their limits in this sport. It’s more than just showcasing sporting talents it’s been a great opportunity for these kids to connect and work together to achieve a life changing outcome.”
AusTriathlon is one of seven organisations backed by Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Strengthening Regional Community Sport.
It’s designed to help bring organisations, clubs, leagues, and associations in regional Victoria together to work on tailored, localised projects that remove barriers, create opportunities, support volunteers, and increase participation.
The program is part of the Regional Community Sport Development Fund that is delivering infrastructure and programs to support more regional Victorian families and children to get involved in sport.
To find out more visit our Workforce and Volunteers web page.