ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi 2015 to launch the Abu Dhabi Schools Challenge

ABU DHABI, 18th February, 2015 (WAM)-- In a bid to support the next generation of young triathletes, organisers of the ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi have launched the Abu Dhabi Schools Challenge. "Supporting our future generations is at the core of what we do and it is important we offer health and fitness programmes that specifically target those groups and communities. The ITU World Triathlon Abu Dhabi is not just an event for the elite triathletes and professionals, it is an event for communities to come together and have a great time in a healthy and competitive environment," said Talal Al Hashemi, Technical Affairs Director, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, ADSC. Schools will be entitled to a 30 percent discount for staff and pupils registering for the race, which takes place on March 7th, as individuals or teams across all distances. Schools can also enter teams of three to compete against other schools in the ‘Schools Team Sprint Challenge’. To further encourage the growth of the sport amongst the youth the event host partner, ADSC, will fund the registration fees for first 100 teams entering the Team Challenge. With one month to go until race day and more than 1,200 athletes already registered, the ITU World Triathlon Series season opener is quickly racking up entries from participants from all over the world. Head of Race Operations, Paul Venn, believes taking the event to schools will help fuel the growth of the sport in the country, and commented, "Triathlon is already one of the fastest growing sports in the world and if we want the UAE to follow this growth then we have to attract new athletes young and old. This event is the perfect introduction to the sport. Not only are the distances within most people’s ability, but you get to line-up in the same event as World Champions and Olympic medallists and that is a rare opportunity in any sporting arena." Organisers are also staging a junior event, The Aquathlon, on March 6th. This swim/run event will feature distances for children from the age of 5 to 17. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/sports/1395276656528.html