NEXT GEN TRIATHLETES IN THE MAKING IN ABU DHABI

Junior Triathlon and Aquathlon return alongside this weekend’s ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi on city’s iconic Corniche

Abu Dhabi, UAE. Thursday, 03 March 2016: This Friday, 4th March, sees the return of the hugely popular ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi Junior Triathlon and Aquathlon races for second year; a trio of fun and accessible events aimed at encouraging UAE youngsters to get active. Over 300 young budding triathletes are due on the start line at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater to begin a weekend of action ahead of Saturday’s ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi.

In a bid to promote healthy lifestyles and bring together local families for an unforgettable experience through the sport of triathlon, the junior events will feature distances for children from the age of five to 17. There are three entry categories: ‘Tiny Triathlete’ - a 50m swim and a 100m run (5 – 8 years), ‘Junior Aquathlon’ featuring a 200m swim and 1.5km run (9  – 15 years), and ‘Junior Triathlon Super Sprint’ which consists of a 375m swim, 10km cycle and a 2.5km run (11 – 17 years).

“Supporting our future generations through sports development is at the core of what we do and it is important we offer health and fitness events that specifically target those groups and communities. This event is the perfect entry point to get children into sport and to give young emerging talents the chance to realise their full potential,” said Talal Al Hashemi, Director of Sport Technical Affairs, Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), which partnered the ITU to bring the event to the UAE capital.

Boys and girls from schools across the UAE will take part in the Tiny Triathlete, Aquathlon and Junior Triathlon Super Sprint races, with hundreds of budding athletes making a splash down by the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club in the clear blue waters of the Arabian Gulf on Friday morning. All participants will get the chance to take home medals, prizes and a special race pack on the day.

Race Director for the Junior Races and President of the Abu Dhabi Triathlon Club, Daniel Hughes commented, “We are delighted to offer the UAE’s youth the chance to compete right here in Abu Dhabi on the same power packed course that will be contested by Olympic and World Champions just one day later. The three junior events are designed for all abilities and are a great way to encourage youngsters to develop a love of triathlon and sport in general, no matter their age.”

Spectators can also look forward to a whole host of fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages at the free-to-enter Race Village lat the Abu Dhabi Sailing & Yacht Club throughout this weekend. The village features a huge 1,000-seater grandstand, a bike park, a ‘Friends and Family’ area, a kids zone to keep the little ones entertained and numerous refreshment kiosks from Lana Parti Perfect, Desert Chill, Springbok Butchery, Shake Shack and Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana.