Records have tumbled for Tasmania’s annual physical challenge for school aged children, even before the first starter’s horn has sounded.
An unprecedented number of students have embraced the ninth annual Schools Triathlon Challenge, which was launched today by the Chair of the Tasmanian Parliamentary Diabetes Support Group and Government Minister Guy Barnett.
5,338 Tasmanian students are currently registered for the two events, up 480 entrants from last year – an increase of just under 10 per cent – making it the highest registration tally since its inception in 2008.
138 schools across the state are taking part in the challenge, with northern Tasmanian schools first in the water on the 23 and 24 November at the Devonport Bluff, and southern Tasmanian schools lining up at the Bellerive Beach start line on the 1 and 2 December.
The Bellerive challenge has a record breaking 3,648 students registered, while the Devonport challenge has attracted 1,690 participants, both substantially above last year’s numbers.
Schools Triathlon Challenge organiser Tim Smith said this year’s participation is outstanding and he is proud of Tasmanian schools for encouraging participation in the event and the enthusiasm the students are showing.
“We work really hard to get students moving, especially considering if students aren’t involved in competitive sports or a physically active pursuit throughout their school life, then they are less likely to make physical activity a priority in their future,” Mr Smith said.
“Our event philosophy is to help promote active and healthy lifestyle choices for students, provide a pathway for students to become engaged in physical activity and to provide students with an opportunity to undertake an achievable personal challenge.
“Now after nine years, we are seeing students that have completed eight challenges from grade three to grade ten, who are now very aware of the benefits of physical activity, nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
“The Schools Triathlon Challenge is showing you can never be too young to get into good habits and we are proud to be leading the way in helping to build a healthy community in our future generations.
“We are proud to have two prominent Tasmanian partners for this year’s event who support our mission. Diabetes Tasmania and the Pennicott Foundation are actively working within the community to spread our message of healthy, active lifestyles for students.
“We have this year also introduced fundraising goals for students, with the majority of funds raised going directly to Diabetes Tasmania. Funds raised will help support young Tasmanians (birth to 24) diagnosed with diabetes to attend one of their five camps held throughout the year, the remaining 20 per cent of funds are given back to the school to spend on new programs, initiatives or equipment.”
Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells said it’s never too early to practice good habits of healthy eating and active lifestyles.
“We are always looking for ways to encourage young people to engage in healthy living, and getting the message out there to children at such a crucial age, is critical in helping them to establish good habits,” Ms Wells said.
“Reducing your risk of health problems in the future is more than eating healthily, you need to get out there and get active, and it’s never too early to start.
“Education around how to treat your body after the event, is a main focus for us this year, with the aim to educate students on the benefits of resting, refuelling and recovering after exercise to minimise recovery time.”
Robert Pennicott said the Schools Triathlon Challenge is doing a great job of getting children active and the healthy eating message was a vital part in helping students connect with an overall healthy lifestyle.
“Outside of competitive sport, Tasmania is well placed to offer Tasmanians with an amazing range of physically active lifestyle choices right here in their own backyards,” Mr Pennicott said.
The first day of the northern event will have 1,015 primary school students participating with 675 secondary students on the second day, where first day of the southern event will have 2,810 primary students participating, with 838 secondary school students involved on the second day.
Georgi Wicks
