McArthur Family YMCA
Press Release
Contact: Karina Gilchrist 261-1080 ext. 108
September 13, 2016 4:35 p.m.
Young athletes from Nassau County showed their best swimming, biking and running on Friday, September 9, 2016 at the 7th annual YMCA Kids Triathlon. The event, open to the public, was a fun-filled afternoon for the entire family while promoting a healthy lifestyle in a new venue for the kids involved.
“The triathlon is one of the most anticipated events of the year for not just the kids competing but also for family cheerleaders and the mass of volunteers!” confirmed Jon Dearolf,
“The YMCA Triathlon is a family tradition for us where we love being together volunteering, participating, and cheering on others,” explained Susie Demille whose son, Jack, captured the victory for the senior age group this year! “The event combines three sports into one race which is challenging for the kids! As a parent, the big smiles as they cross the finish line is all I need to see to make the event a success. A huge thank you to the YMCA for hosting!” The Kawecki / Demille Team along with the other event volunteers get in the pool to assist the children in the swim, man the transition area to help them tie their shoes, put on their helmets, and mount and dismount their bikes. And the favorite part – volunteers also present medals as the kids run through the finish line balloon arch.
The annual event is open to children ages four to 10 with three separate age groups competing. The four to six-year olds swim 25 yards, bike one mile and run a quarter of a mile. Seven and eight-year-old participants compete in a 50 yard swim, a two-mile bike race and a half-mile run. The nine to 10-year-old triathletes swim 100 yards, bike three miles and run a mile. The top three finishers in each category are recognized at the end of the triathlon. “The kids – and their parents – love a winner,” Karina Gilchrist, director of the event, smiled. “But we want the participants to know they are ALL winners and that hard work to achieve a goal is important. The triathlon is such a great chance for kids to learn the great feeling that success brings!”
“My daughter, Fiona, used to participate and is now above the age requirement,” explained volunteer Kristi Garber. “This year we were proud to help out at the event. It is important to me to help my daughter learn how to give back to the community that has helped her succeed! The triathlon is a fun choice because she knows the feeling of crossing that finish line, and it’s exciting to help others do the same.”
The triathlon promises to challenge the kids to achieve their best, but the real goal is to show them the many ways they can be active and develop healthy habits while having fun. The Y is grateful to several local sponsors committed to make this happen including title sponsor, CBC National Bank, and sponsors, Amelia Dental, Andrea F. Lennon Attorney at Law, Brightway Insurance, ERA Fernandina Beach Realty Roger Martin, McGill Aviation, Monkey Barrel, Townies, WestRock, Red Otter and SuperCorsa Cycles.
For additional information about the Y Kids Triathlon or the YMCA, contact Karina Gilchrist at 261-1080 ext. 108 or at [email protected] or by visiting the McArthur Family YMCA’s Calendar of Events at www.firstcoastymca.org. All proceeds from the event benefit the “Give to the Y Campaign,” which helps those in need in Nassau County access the YMCA’s many exceptional programs including a focus on providing swim lessons to all children.