Triathlons have experienced double digit growth in Ireland since 2007, with more than 140 events now taking place across the country each year. However, while 20,000 Irish people took part in Triathlons last year, the average age of participants is between 30 and 34. In order to promote the sport amongst third level students, the students of the Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure at IT Sligo are organising an indoor ‘Try a Tri’ event next Thursday, November 29th.
It’s all in aid of a great cause too, with all proceeds going towards the National Suicide Research Foundation.
Teams of three will be required to complete a 400m swim, a 10k bike ride and a 4k run, while individual entries will be aiming to do a 200m swim, an 8k bike ride and a 3k run. The competition will take place in the Clarion Hotel, Sligo.
Lecturer Paula Roddy says this is the first event of its kind at the Institute but there are plans to make it an annual event; “Participation in triathlons has exploded in Ireland in the last few years and organising an event like this gives the students a real taste of what’s involved in the management of a multi-team event,” she said. “We also hope that it will encourage more students to get involved in the sport. While we have a very strong sporting tradition at IT Sligo, we find that most students tend to focus on their chosen sport or activity and we hope that by ‘Trying a Tri’ they’ll be encouraged to diversify their training and enjoy what is a very sociable and competitive sport.”
The Try a Tri event is in aid of the National Suicide Research Foundation and takes place from 7.30pm on Thursday, November 29th. Each team must have one female member and must raise a minimum of €100 and individuals must raise a minimum of €50. Each competitor gets a tshirt and goodie bag and local businesses are sponsoring prizes for the best completion times. Applications are invited from all students at IT Sligo and sponsorship forms are available from Paul.Logan@nullmail.itsligo.ie or roddy.paula@nullitsligo.ie
The Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure provides opportunities for students to study all aspects of sport, leisure and recreation including advanced business, management and communication skills. The course features a high level of practical activity ranging from all swimming-based activities, surfing, fitness instruction and sports coaching. More information on the Bachelor of Business in Recreation and Leisure available here.