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Waima Mokaraka

Over 500 local kids aged 7 to 15 years participated in the inaugural Manukau Weet-Bix Tryathlon, on Wednesday 10th December, at Mountford Park in Manurewa.

The Manukau Tryathlon marked the end of a successful Tryathlon series in 2008, and launched the Weet-Bix Tryathlon season for 2009.

Weet-Bix Senior Brand Manager, Tanne Andrews, said his team was extremely happy with the turnout and support of the event.

"The behaviour, positive attitudes and enthusiasm shown by the children was spectacular; the atmosphere was really special,” said Mr Andrews.

"We will absolutely be having the event again next year. We will set a date in the New Year and give the local schools lots of notice. We hope to get up to 2,000 children involved in 2009.

"We also enjoyed working with the wider Manukau community and appreciated the support from the Manukau City Council.”

The council provided a generous subsidy for every child who participated, enabling the Tryathlon registration fee to be reduced to $14.00.

Chief Executive of Counties Manukau Sport, Russell Preston, said the Weet-Bix Tryathlon in Manukau provided the opportunity for local schools to further promote physical activity within a fun environment.

Famous Olympic champions including Debbie Tanner and the Evers-Swindell Twins attended the Manukau Tryathlon event last week, to support and encourage participants.

Local sporting star, All Black Keven Mealamu, also attended the event, and was a great hit with children and parents alike.

Every child who participated in the event received a race pack, a race T-shirt, a swim cap, a completion certificate and a medal.

Over the past 17 years more than 170,000 New Zealand children have taken part in a Weet-Bix Tryathlon event.

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Floyd Harris

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Valynce Te Whare - with Keven Mealamu

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Anastasia Henry

ENDS

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