Trideltathon! It’s more important than ever to create spaces where children can grow holistically in every aspect. Trideltathon is designed to Empower children through community sport, resilience and joyous engagement. Trideltathon is designed to help children find and develop confidence, and to help them understand that the journey to thriving is shaped through community and support.
Understanding Trideltathon
Trideltathon is an inclusive and encouraging multi-discipline athletic experience that is meant to be fun. Drawing inspiration from athlete triathlons, Trideltathon has swimmer, cyclist, and runner representatives, and modifies each discipline so that every child, regardless of ability or experience level!
Trideltathons, differently than competitive races, are designed with the hope that every child has an athletic experience and participates in an active way with the same joy and pride as Trideltathon aims to put every child’s finish line in front of them and just to the side of the finish line, a community encouraging the child to finish strong.
Strategic Partnerships with Purpose
As the global governing body for the triathlon, World Triathlon is committed to the mission of providing safe, enriching, and high-quality triathlon and multi-sport experiences for all athletes at any level, and any age. We see the power of sport to change lives, strengthen communities, and promote healthy, active lifestyles.
World Triathlon is proud to partner with Trideltathon and transpose the World Triathlon mission to the local level. With the use of best coaching practices, safe and age-appropriate activities, and development-centered sport, World Triathlon is able to support Trideltathon staff and volunteers so that local Trideltathon events can incorporate these practices.
Transforming communities through active and healthy children is the core of Trideltathon’s Mission, and World Triathlon is proud to support that Mission.
Why Trideltathon is Important
1. A World of Difference
The sad reality is that many children, today, will live shorter lives than their parents. Trideltathon provides children with the opportunity to actively participate in fun and stimulating activities that will develop their cardiovascular endurance, overall body coordination, and strength. More than just offering the opportunity for children to live active lifestyles, Trideltathon teaches children to appreciate the capabilities of their bodies, and celebrate the small accomplishments, which is one of the most empowering things for children.
On this journey, children’s confidence is nurtured and most importantly, children learn to set goals, develop the skills to push through to achieve those goals, and then experience the immense sense of pride that comes from achieving the goal. These skills are life skills that are sure to benefit children far into the future.
2. Emotional Resilience
Participation in an event such as Trideltathon allows children to overcome hurdles in a positive and supportive environment. If a child is finding it hard to cope with the changing disciplines from swimming to cycling or is even finding it tough to complete an activity, there is so much to learn in these experiences pertaining to the constructs of resilience, patience, and the ability to believe in oneself.
With the help of the many volunteers, coaches, and family members, as well as peer support and coaching, the children learn that working hard and staying focused is the key to attaining something, and that emotionally toughening the child is a positive outcome from the event.
3. Every Child Belongs
Trideltathon has done a great job in being inclusive to all kids. There are many different types of children that have different strengths and abilities, and all of them are able to participate with the use of adaptive equipment, altered distances, and accommodating volunteers to support the children.
When the children are able to participate in the event, it shows the children and the public that Every Child Belongs. When children participate in an inclusive environment, the stigma surrounding disabled children is removed, and the values associated with empathy and respect for others in the society becomes the community.
4. Togetherness, Community, and Social Bonds
Trideltathon celebrates togetherness by making it normal to cheer on others. There is a lot of impact on the kids to have their friends participate at the same time in the event with them, and there are many people that are impacted when whole families or groups of people volunteer to support them by coaching or cheering them on.
The place where togetherness is an important social goal is where community activation happens and there is much respect for the stories, connections, and new friendships that form from togetherness. Thanks to Trideltathon, we are able to have a place to socialize that is not built on technology as a result of the current trends of social isolation and reliance on technology.
How Trideltathon Works
Trideltathon events are unique to each of their host communities, while still maintaining a standard set of elements:
- Modular Challenges: Children are able to choose, or be directed towards, distances that are appropriate to their age and capabilities. The triad disciplines of swimming, cycling and running, may be adapted to include splash swimming, trike or balance bike riding, and a themed fun run with obstacles.
- Skill Building Zones: A portion of the participants may experience “Skill Building Zones” to aid with reduced anxiety, build self-efficacy, and help participants learn to be aware of safety. A series of clinics are used to prepare snapping, bike safety and helmet use, transitioning, and warm-up activities.
- Supportive Volunteers: Parents, coaches, and community members volunteer their time to staff each segment of the event. They not only have an operational role, but also serve as an inspiration by cheering for, directing, and, celebrating each child’s accomplishment.
- Recognition and Celebration: It is important for every child to experience recognition for their efforts. Themed shirts, medals, community shout outs and certificate presentations ensure that all children are recognized for their efforts and rewarded for their attempt to do their best.
The Finish Line and Beyond
The results of the earlier Trideltathon event evaluations are similar: children feel that their physical fitness and confidence have improved, and that they belong more. Parents feel that children are more positive in the face of challenges, more willing to engage in new activities, and more enthusiastic about physical activities.
The host community and organizations also see positive results. The local organizations that host Trideltathon events have reported positive results, especially in the community sport programs, in volunteering, and in health and wellness programs.
Voices from the Movement
Parents, volunteers, and children recall similar sentiments regarding the Trideltathon. It is an opportunity for everyone to live through an exciting challenge, and an unforgettable experience.
One parent stated, “My child used to shy away from any sport that included water or cycling. Now, after Trideltathon, she talks proudly about her finish and wants to sign up for more. It’s given her a new sense of courage.”
One kid also stated, “I didn’t win, but I finished. Everyone was cheering for me. That was the best part.”
These illustrate the spirit of Trideltathon. It is not about speed. It is about having the spirit to challenge yourself to do it.
Moving Ahead: Thriving Domestically & Internationally
The Trideltathon vision extends far and above individual events. They wish to inspire an international ethos regarding access to development opportunities, where all children are provided with access to safe spaces of positivity and holistic growth. Engaging with World Triathlon and other regional, governmental, and community partners, Trideltathon aims to reach the unaccessible, under-served youth of our new target areas.
In a child-centered approach, the Trideltathon advocates for a holistic paradigm shift in youth sport. Replacing success from the traditional performance outcome focus, to an empowerment framework: courage, joy, perseverance, and connection, is redefining success in youth sport.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who can participate in Trideltathon?
A: The event is open to all children, including those with special needs. The event is designed with inclusive and adaptive equipment.
Q2. What is the age range of participants?
A: Children between the ages of 4 to 18 are welcome to participate in the Trideltathon events. Activities are age-appropriate and offered in different levels of difficulty.
Q3. Will my child have to be an athlete and competitive?
A: Not at all! The Trideltathon is all about participation and enjoyment. The children can take their time and are not required to keep up with the rest of the participants.
Q4. How does Trideltathon keep the participants safe?
A: The events have guidelines in order to maintain the safety of all participants. Coaches, volunteers, and first responders are present. Also, there are specific areas designed to teach children the skills required to swim, bike, and run.
Q5. How can my community participate?
A: Local organizations, schools, and volunteers can collaborate with Trideltathon to facilitate an event, provide sponsorship for activities, or offer other resources. All guidance is provided to ensure events are of the highest quality and inclusive.
Conclusion
Trideltathon: In the world that is changing at a much faster pace than ever, children need opportunities that will help them develop not only physically, but also emotionally and socially. Trideltathon provides this platform to children to help them learn, explore, connect and thrive everywhere.
Guided by the values of the World Triathlon Organization, Trideltathon honors the potential of every child, values effort rather than the result, and motivates children to tackle and overcome challenges with the enthusiasm and perseverance of a champion.
Together, we are building the future of Trideltathon — one finish line at a time.
