New Trophies for King and Queen of the Lake

Media release Thursday, 19 January 2006 For immediate release

New Trophies for King and Queen of the Lake

What is more fitting for royalty than a greenstone trophy carved by one of Rotorua's master carvers? For the first time the two overall winners at the annual Bike Vegas Blue Lake Triathlon and Multisport Festival in January will receive such a trophy.

The King and Queen of the Lake titles are given to the two athletes whose overall results are the highest in the three events during the Blue Lake Festival held on the 28 - 29 January (Anniversary Weekend). The events are the Orca 2km Lake Swim, the Orca Aquathon (5.5km forest run and 800m swim) and the Bike Vegas Triathlon and Multisport race (800m swim or 3km kayak, 16km road cycle and 5.5km forest run).

The new trophies are being carved out of greenstone by Lewis Tamihana at Rotorua's Jade Factory symbolising the history and culture surrounding the Blue Lake. There will also be smaller trophies for the individual race winners to keep and remember their experiences whilst in Rotorua.

"These carvings are a coup for us to get for our King and Queen and we couldn't have done it without the generosity of the Jade Factory," says John Lavery, President of the Rotorua Association of Triathletes and Multisport Club (RATS).

The event is organised annually by RATS. It is open to anyone and attracts a large number of out of town athletes who come to Rotorua for the long weekend. "There is very much a relaxed atmosphere at the event, with the competitors picking up on the holiday vibes and this is no more clear than from the great club volunteers. But don't get too complacent, the competition is tough and the courses are challenging," says Lavery.

Competitors can re-stock their energy at the Ibis Hotel Rotorua Carb-loading Dinner. The guest speaker will be Mark Watson who is an experienced triathlete and a current member of the Triathlon New Zealand High Performance programme. "This is the not so tough event of the festival and promises to be an amazing evening and a great motivational boost for anyone looking to either compete the next day or in future races," says Lavery.

Entries are now open to the Blue Lake event. Entry forms are available at Bike Vegas on Fenton Street or any good bike shop. More information and entry forms are at www.rats.org.nz or by contacting Steve Gibling on 07 350 1744, 027 249 8670 or info@rats.org.nz.

Spectators and supporters will also be able to get involved for the Harvey's "K's for Kid's" 5km walk and run around the Blue Lake on Saturday the 28th at 11.30am. All proceeds for walk / run event will go to Cystic Fibrosis to help purchase sporting gear for young people with Cystic Fibrosis.

ENDS

© Scoop Media