There were smiles of pride all around at the second annual Rotary Kids Triathlon, hosted by the Rotary Club of Vero Beach, which was established as a way to encourage children to develop their health, fitness, courage, confidence and social skills.
Mike Kanuka, the event’s committee chair, said that after the success of last year’s multi-sport triathlon, which maxed out at 200 participants, they geared up this year to accommodate 300 youngsters.
Despite some shivers in the cool morning air, the elementary and middle school children, ages 6 to 13, gathered at the Victor Hart Sr. Community Enhancement Complex and the Gifford Aquatic Center to participate in the Swim-Bike-Run event.
Cheered on by family members, volunteers and sponsors, the youngsters tackled a 75-yard or 150-yard swim (or wade for novices), a 1-mile or 2-mile bike ride (training wheels were optional but helmets were de rigueur), and a .5-mile or 1-mile walk or run.
Participants had been entered into two age-appropriate groups, with ages 6 to 9 as juniors and ages 10 to 13 seniors, and were further grouped into individual and relay team options. There was also an adaptive individual category for special needs children.
The event, which is now the second largest children’s triathlon in Florida, was open to novices and seasoned competitors alike, with all receiving a packet of goodies, including a T-shirt, swim towel, waterproof mini-backpack and, of course, medals for their efforts.
Those who could paid an entry fee, with proceeds benefiting other youth programs but, so that everyone could participate, sponsorships covered the entry for those who were unable to.
Additionally, leading up to the big day, to enhance the children’s skills and encourage participation, the club offered 25 free preparatory swim, bike and run clinics from late August to December.
The excitement continued later that same evening, as all participants were invited to be part of one of the many floats in the Christmas Parade.
The Rotary Club of Vero Beach, Vero’s first, was established in 1926 and continues its mission to support local charities and programs throughout the county and provide scholarships to deserving students. Meetings are held on Thursdays at noon at the Vero Beach Yacht Club.
For more information, visit RotaryOfVeroBeach.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
