DAMAN CHALLENGE ENCOURAGES UAE COMMUNITY TO GIVE THE ITU WORLD TRIATHLON ABU DHABI A ‘TRI’

The Daman Tri Fit Challenge three-month programme is set to train 300 amateur triathletes for the ITU blue carpet in March 2018.

Organisers of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi 2018 have partnered with National Health Insurance Company – Daman’s ActiveLife to launch a three-month programme to train 300 amateur triathletes across the UAE ahead of the competition next March.

The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi 2018, also presented by Daman’s ActiveLife initiative, will take place on Yas Island from 2-3 March and is set to be the Middle East’s largest triathlon event. Registration for the Daman Tri Fit Challenge programme is free and is now live on AbuDhabi.Triathlon.Org/Damans_Tri_Fit_Challenge or at Daman's ActiveLife weekly Yas Marina Circuit sessions – StartYAS on Sundays, TrainYAS on Tuesdays or GoYAS on Wednesdays for women.

As presenting partner of the ITU World Triathlon Series season opener, Daman through its ActiveLife initiative, has rolled out two 12-week training programmes to support participants of all capabilities – one tailored to first-timers looking to swim, bike and run their way to their first ever triathlon; and the second for seasoned amateur triathletes looking to beat their personal best.

Daman’s ActiveLife is a nation-wide initiative that aims to mobilise the UAE community to lead a healthy, active lifestyle through a wide range of events and programmes aimed at improving physical fitness, mental fitness and performance.

In line with Daman's ActiveLife vision, the triathlon training programme will encourage more people to become introduced to the sport.

"Through our partnership with the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, we’re delighted to bring the Daman Tri Fit Challenge to people in the community giving them yet another platform to take their activity to the next level, and feel a great sense of achievement in doing so. From my own personal experience, I believe that triathlons teach us to become well-rounded athletes both mentally and physically – there is no greater sense of fulfilment when crossing the finish line of this type of sporting event," said Dr. Sven Rohte, Chief Commercial Officer, Daman.

“With the right preparation, anyone can partake and enjoy the experience of a triathlon. We hope, in our quest to create healthier communities across the country; that the 300 people we train for the competition realise the positive effect physical fitness bring to one’s life and act as health ambassadors within their communities.”

The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi, the pinnacle of world triathlon and the season-opener, taking place on the iconic Yas Island is aiming to attract 4,000 participants for the March event across all race distances. Host partner, Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), together with event partners such as Daman's ActiveLife are keen to get more to participate in the fourth edition of the triathlon spectacle.

"The Daman Tri Fit Challenge is the perfect gateway to the sport for first-timers and a great challenge for seasoned athletes looking to strengthen their capabilities," said Talal Al Hashemi, Director of Technical Affairs at ADSC. "Triathlon is a unique sport because it is accessible to people from all walks of life – irrespective of ability, experience, age or gender. Our role is to work with partners to connect communities with the sport, and equip them with the skills necessary to get to the start line."

Daman’s ActiveLife aims to support triathletes from all experience levels every step of the way through a three-month training programme designed to help all 300 amateur triathletes train together ahead of the event. The Daman Tri Fit Challenge three-month programme will provide participants with training tips; access to swim, bike and run sessions as well as subsidised entry into multiple mass participation events in Abu Dhabi, including TriYAS.

The 12-week programme will take all partakers from the very start to the iconic ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi's blue carpet. On event day, participants will be treated to their own athletes' lounge and will be supported all along by crowd favourite and Egyptian professional triathlete, Omar Nour. Nour will help navigate Daman Tri Fit Challenge members through event day preparations, transitions and recovery.

Upon registering for the Daman Tri Fit Challenge, participants will be able to download their welcome pack which includes a training guide, nutritional plan, tips from world-class trainers and more.

Close to 100 Daman employees have already risen to the Daman Tri Fit Challenge and were amongst the first to register for the one-of-its-kind triathlon training programme.

"I've never done a triathlon before and might not have considered if it wasn't for this programme," said Daman's Daniel Tesfaye. "I am looking forward to participating in both TriYAS and the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi. I love challenges and a swim, bike and run event is right up my street."

Amateur triathletes can choose from the following three race distances for the 2018 event, which can be completed as an individual or as part of a team:

• Sprint: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
• Olympic: 1,500m swim, 40km bike, 10km run
• Middle: 1,900m swim, 90km bike, 21km run

The ITU World triathlon Abu Dhabi 2018 will also see the return of the Junior Triathlon – a fun event aimed at encouraging youngsters to get active – which hosts race categories for children aged 5 – 15 years old. For juniors looking to take on a triathlon, there are four entry categories for the 2018 edition:

• Mini 1km – 1km run (5 – 8 year olds)
• Kids Duathlon – 3km cycle and 500m run (7 – 11 year olds)
• Junior Duathlon – 6km cycle and 1 km run (12 – 13 year olds) / 6km cycle and 1.5 km run (14 – 15 year olds)
• Junior Triathlon Super Sprint – 400mswim, 10km cycle and a 2.5km run (12 – 15 years)