First National Series for Fastest Grpwing Sport

Click to enlarge
(l-r): First entrant in the National Series, Wellington Triathlon Club member Martin van Barneveld, is congratulated by Triathlon New Zealand CEO David Beeche.

Click to enlarge
First entrant in the National Series, Wellington Triathlon Club member Martin van Barneveld announces his support of the National Series

MEDIA RELEASE
10 August 2006

First National Series for New Zealand’s Fastest Growing Sport

Triathlon New Zealand today [10 August] announced the opportunity for every New Zealander aged 13 years and over to compete in a triathlon.

Triathlon New Zealand President, Garry Boon, said New Zealand’s fastest growing sport – triathlon - now has its own national series of events which aims to increase participation in triathlons throughout the country.

“The inaugural National Series which is being sponsored by Contact Energy, will give all New Zealanders the opportunity to take part in a triathlon regardless of their age, ability or location,” Garry said.

“Many triathlon events are targeted at specific age groups or are only run in the main centres whereas the National Series will span the length and breadth of New Zealand.”

The National Series is a nationwide series of nine events which will be held over the summer months from November 2006 to March 2007.

Events will be held in Auckland, Rotorua, Kinloch, Whangamata, Wellington, New Plymouth, Napier, Nelson and Christchurch. The first triathlon to kickstart the series will take place in New Plymouth on 11 November.

“Each venue will host two races - a participation race and a Contact Energy New Zealand Cup race,” Garry said.

The participation race caters to the first time competitor, and the second race is a medium to advanced level competition open to competitors over the age of 18.

Competitors in this second race can win prizes and also accumulate points which could see them take out the Contact Energy New Zealand Cup, at the completion of the series.

Contact Energy Chief Executive, David Baldwin, said the Company is delighted to be the principal sponsor of the National Series, which he hopes will encourage even more New Zealanders to get involved in the sport.

“The National Series is a perfect fit with Contact’s commitment to creating positive energy. We are delighted to be able to help Triathlon New Zealand create a new series which will help nurture New Zealand’s emerging triathlon talent, as well as promote participation and develop this exciting sport,” David said.

“Contact hopes our support of this brand new National Series will encourage greater numbers of New Zealanders to enter triathlons and gain a real sense of achievement from competing.”

Registrations for the Triathlon New Zealand National Series are open from today. To register visit www.triathlon.org.nz or www.nationaltriathlonseries.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media