Only Two Weeks to Register For Rotorua Kids Tryathlon

Media Release

18.11.2013

Only Two Weeks to Register For the Rotorua Weet-bix Kids Tryathlon

Kiwi kids who want to take part in this year’s Rotorua Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon better get in quick as there are only two weeks left to register for the event.

The TRYathlon, which has become a rite-of-passage for Kiwi kids, will be held at Kuirau Park on 8th December, 2013 and starts at 9am with an event briefing at 8:30am.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet sporting celebrities Sarah Walker and Olly Shaw who will also be attending the event.

Not sure whether to take part? Then simply look at results from last year’s survey for some inspiration.

Sanitarium surveyed parents of kids who took part in a Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon last year and results indicated a huge 97 per cent of participants ‘loved their experience’. More than two-thirds were described as “glowing with pride” (70 per cent), while 78 per cent of parents also felt their child’s self confidence improved as a result of participating.[1]

Pierre van Heerden, General Manager for Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing New Zealand is encouraging all kids from Rotorua to fuel up on Weet-Bix and enter in this year’s TRYathlon.

“The statistics we received following last year’s TRYathlon are a clear indication that Kiwi kids from all over New Zealand thoroughly enjoy the event and we want even more to take part this year.”

“With increasing obesity rates in children of this age bracket, there is even more reason for kids of all levels of sporting ability to take part. The event focuses on encouraging kids to participate, achieve their personal best and most of all to have fun.”

The Ministry of Health has discovered the obesity rate of children aged two to 14-years in New Zealand has increased from 8 per cent in 2006/07 to 10 per cent in 2011/12, while a further 21 per cent of children were considered overweight. The Ministry also found 3 per cent of children in the same age bracket had been diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, or behavioural problems (ADHD/ADD) in 20011/12 compared to 2 per cent in 2006/07.[2]

Every child who participates in a Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon receives a race pack, a race T-shirt, a swim cap for all swimmers, a certificate and a medal.

Breakfast is also available to all kids participating so they can fuel up on Weet-Bix before the event.

The Weet-Bix Foundation continues to run to ensure even more children can take part in the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon. Teachers and community leaders can apply for support from the Foundation on behalf of a child between the ages of 7 to 15. The worthy nominees will be provided a subsidy of entry fees, or a subsidy of necessary equipment to complete the event.

Entry numbers for the Rotorua Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon are limited, so schools and individuals who want to be involved should get in quick to secure their place. Kids can enter as individuals or in a team of two.

Registrations for the swim-bike-run event and nominations for Weet-Bix Foundation can be completed online at http://tryathlon.weetbix.co.nz/  or phone 09 531 5080.  The deadline for registrations is Wednesday 4 December at 11:59pm.

ENDS

[1] 2013 Post Series Parent Survey
2 The Health of New Zealand Children 2011/12

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