dubai The second Gems Education Triathlon Challenge is set to be a huge succes going by the initial rush of entries, say organisers.
With obesity among kids a huge concern in the UAE, this perfectly packaged event encourages children to get physically active. After having received an overwhelming response in the first edition, the organisers are expecting big numbers for the second edition scheduled on January 30.
“The response we received to the first edition in 2014 was so overwhelming that we decided to hold it this year too,” said Craig Lamshed, Principal and CEO of Cambridge International School, Dubai.
Healthy activities
“There are activities planned for every age and for all fitness skills. We know that this will be a fun family day out, but it also allows us to encourage healthy activities amongst students, their families and friends,” he added.
The Triathlon Challenge has been designed to mimic an actual triathlon but with different activity level requirements based on varied age groups. Adults will swim for 425m, cycle for 16km and run for 6km, whereas children aged five to nine years will swim for 75m, cycle for 4km and run for 2km.
“In 2014 we had 450 participants. This year we are expecting around 500. We hope each year the number will increase and the event will become an annual challenge,” said Lamshed.
The organisers said the impressive part of the registrations were when they received the highest number of entries in the five to nine years old category. “This was amazing. This year too it looks to be the same with over 70 kids already confirming participation in the same category,” said Lamshed, who added that the event received great support from parents.
