As part of its Healthy Lifestyles initiative, Georgetown Triathletes in the South Central Region are committing their time and talent to provide the sport of triathlon/multi-sport to youth who might not otherwise get this opportunity in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Club of Georgetown, Texas.
Christine Knight, President – Georgetown Triathletes, a USA Triathlon Certified Level 1 and Youth and Junior Coach, will lead the effort teaching the sport of triathlon, volunteering her time along with other members of Georgetown Triathletes. The multisport program, aptly named "Fun Friday Fitness Club” will be held every Friday afternoon throughout the school year from 5 -7 p.m. and will include several levels of duathlons for the kids.
“We will be utilizing the Splash, Spin, Sprint manual published by USA Triathlon as a guideline to keep it fun and educate the kids at the same time," Knight said.
The Triathlon/Duathlon/Multisport program will include all things related to health, nutrition, exercise and safety.
The Boys & Girls Club of Georgetown opened its doors in 2006 to 30 children after school and a membership role of 100, according to Daniel Anstee, Area Director for the Boys & Girls Club of Central Texas. The Club has now grown to serving over 800 members annually with an after school daily attendance of 180 and a summer daily attendance of 200-250 youth per day.
"With annual dues of only $10 per child and summer weekly dues only $10 per week per child, meaning that its programs are affordable for all," said Anstee, who added that current demographics show that 50 percent of the membership members reside in a single parent household with over 75 percent eligible for free and/or reduced programs at school.
Programs are facilitated by both paid staff and volunteers and centers on three priority outcomes of Healthy Lifestyles, Good Character & Leadership, and Education & Academic Success. A bulletin board prepared by Diane Rasmussen the Volunteer Coordinator, aids her as she begins educating and illustrating the sport to the children.
“The organization has been preparing for well over a year for this opportunity to provide our knowledge and expertise, along with funding, for the youth in our community," said Georgetown Triathletes Vice-President Joe Parks. Georgetown Triathletes added preparations included applying and receiving a change in tax status to a 501(c)3 non-profit, along with requiring board of directors and officers to receive SafeSport certification through USAT and the US Center for SafeSport.
Those interested in learning more about this initiative can contact Christine Knight by email at georgetowntriathletes@gmail.com. Georgetown Triathletes, with this initiative, look forward to developing the next generation of triathletes and possibly even a future Olympian.
Connect with fellow USA Triathlon members and follow South Central Region news at the South Central Region Facebook page.
Christine Knight is a USA Triathlon South Central Region volunteer.