USA Triathlon has announced its USA Kids Tri initiative… ‘a financial commitment to supporting grassroots programming to grow youth triathlon and multisport by introducing the sport and its lifelong health benefits to a wide range of kids in schools and communities in select markets across the United States.’
Supported by the USA Triathlon Foundation, USA Kids Tri is positioned as the next step in the organization’s continued efforts to work alongside local events, race directors, coaches and clubs across the United States. The aim is to collectively increase triathlon and multisport opportunities and access for current and prospective youth athletes.
“Every child should have the opportunity to be active and experience the joys of multisport,” said Victoria Brumfield, USA Triathlon Interim CEO.
“Our USA Kids Tri program is another opportunity to support our multisport community leaders and partner with local schools and community centres to introduce the sport and all its virtues to youth athletes across the US.”
She continued, “Building community is a vital part of turning any activity into a passion for kids; and the USA Kids Tri program is designed to help strengthen this by connecting kids with dedicated race directors, coaches, club members and volunteers who will help lead the program. We can’t wait to get to work with our community and grow the sport.”
USA Triathlon is first launching a USA Kids Tri program in the Pennsylvania/New Jersey region and intends to add new markets throughout 2023 and scale into 2024 and beyond.
Each USA Kids Tri program will incorporate a different model, including involvement with local schools, summer camps, community centres, USA Triathlon certified coaches and clubs and USA Triathlon sanctioned races.
The Pennsylvania/New Jersey program was made possible through donations from the Leff Family Foundation and Dottie and John Cassimatis. Their philanthropy will provide three years of support for coaches, school outreach, training programs and transportation to races, as well as offset entry fees.
USA Kids Tri is comprised of four core elements:
- Introduce multisport in an established setting and format,
- Elevate community connections to provide best-in-class resources,
- Bolster existing race formats with proven records of success, and
- Enable kids from low-to-moderate income households to engage with the sport in a way that works for them and their families.
All USA Kids Tri programs will include educational resources, structured time for children to connect with youth-centric coaches and clubs for free after-school programs or other practice opportunities, and the chance to compete at a local youth race where all participating kids will receive a free USA Triathlon Youth Annual Membership.
“Creating more consistent opportunities for kids to engage in triathlon and multisport by practicing and participating with their friends will lead to the fun-filled unforgettable moments that stay with them for a lifetime,” said Emma O’Brien, USA Triathlon Youth Program Coordinator.
“When the activity becomes intertwined with their routines, friends and interests, it becomes a healthy passion. The USA Kids Tri program will introduce the sport in a fun, non-competitive fashion for athletes from all backgrounds.”
Community members and multisport leaders who are interested in supporting the USA Kids Tri program can support the program by making a donation to the USA Triathlon Foundation.
www.usakidstri.org
www.usatriathlonfoundation.org
www.usatriathlon.org
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