Students at Ecole Deer Meadow School took part of their day off to swim, cycle and run in the school's second annual triathlon on June 11. There were 127 students from grades 5 to 8 who participated, either individually or in a team of three.
Students at Ecole Deer Meadow School took part of their day off to swim, cycle and run in the school's second annual triathlon on June 11.
There were 127 students from grades 5 to 8 who participated, either individually or in a team of three.
The route started with 10 lengths in the Olds Aquatic Centre pool, followed by a four-kilometre bike ride before a two-kilometre run with the finish line at the school.
According to vice-principal Carey Collin, who also ran the course, the goal is to make the triathlon a lasting tradition at the school.
"I'd just like somebody to get this elephant off my chest," Collin said at the finish line. "It was a blast. So much fun. That's all I got breath for."
Gina Trombley is an educational assistant who helped organize the triathlon. She competes in triathlons during her own time and wanted to introduce kids to the sport.
"What's great to see is that kids that didn't really know what they were getting into and doing the whole thing themselves, taking a risk," Trombley said. "It's inspiring to see and I wanted to introduce kids to the sport and every kid has a bike, running shoes and a bathing suit so they can all do it."
One of those students was Lucas Mulholland, a Grade 6 student who got the chance to participate in his first, but certainly not last, triathlon.
"I've always kind of liked this kind of stuff but I could never find a team and I found one this year," Mulholland said. "It was pretty fun but I got tired at the end."
The Olds RCMP detachment also took part, with Staff Sgt. Joe Sangster doing the swimming, Cpl. Shawn Morgan biking and Const. Gary Sandhu running.
For them, the triathlon was a chance for community engagement.
"Youth involvement is No. 1 priority on my annual performance plan so just another opportunity for us to come out and hang with the kids and have some fun," Sangster said. "It's just a beautiful day, great event and we had a hoot doing it."
The triathlon route crossed roads so the Town of Olds helped out by directing traffic.
Trombley said she started planning the triathlon in late May and credits all those involved for the event's success.
"It couldn't have been done without all the volunteers that helped me, all the staff and teachers that offered their time," she said.
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