The inaugural Rotary Kids Triathlon was a trifecta of fun. The sold-out event enticed some 200 children to participate in the activities, held at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex and Gifford Aquatic Center.

The Rotary Club of Vero Beach hosted the multi-sport triathlon for children between the ages of 6 and 13, designed as a way to foster youth development and community engagement, with proceeds going toward local youth programs.

Participants swam, biked and ran in age-appropriate heats grouped into first-time and more seasoned triathlete categories, along with a relay team option in the Junior and Senior divisions. The swim portion was between 75 and 150 yards, followed by a 1- or 2-mile bike ride, and a ½- to 1-mile run/walk, depending on the division.

“Initially, the focus, of course, was on the children, but we quickly realized that all their smiles had a major positive effect on their parents, guardians, relatives and friends,” said Mike Kanuka, race organizer.

More than just a physical challenge, the triathlon was meant to empower young athletes and provide a platform to encourage resilience, sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle.

The Rotary Club of Vero Beach, the first local Rotary, was established in 1926. Members of the service organization strive to create, fund and implement meaningful change at a local and global level in the areas of environment, education, health and humanitarian services.

The nonprofit supports more than 45 local charities and programs throughout the county. Among other things, that includes putting plastic bag recycling receptacles in public schools, constructing underwater reefs for shoreline preservation, the collaborative management of the Hope Resale Boutique; and a partnership with the United Way of Indian River County to help fund the Little Free Libraries. The club also awards scholarships to students and has an active mentorship and speaker program at Indian River State College.

Additionally, proceeds from an annual Oktoberfest, a collaborative effort with all five Indian River County Rotary Clubs, go toward eradicating polio.

Meetings are held at noon every Thursday at the Vero Beach Yacht Club. For more information, visit RotaryOfVeroBeach.com.

Photos by Joshua Kodis