Aussie and Kiwi kids join the race for a world record with Weet-Bix Kids Try-Athlons!

To be released: 23 January 2008

Normally world records are set by elite athletes, but this year tens of thousands of Aussie and Kiwi kids from all walks of life will have the chance to make history when they come together for an amazing world record attempt at the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon series.

An estimated 40,000 children from both sides of the Tasman will take up the unprecedented opportunity to make the TRY-athlon the largest children's triathlon series on the planet, with the attempt officially sanctioned by the world's governing triathlon body, the International Triathlon Union.

Organisers are aiming for 25,000 children from New Zealand and 15,000 from Australia to swim, cycle and run towards making an unassailable claim to the world record. This follows an extraordinary level of participation over the life of the TRY-athlon series, which has inspired over 160,000 kids of all abilities to get active since its inception in New Zealand 16 years ago and its adoption by Australia in 1999.

Brian Mahony from the International Triathlon Union applauded the Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon series, proudly supported by MBF Foundation, for generating such impressive involvement over the years, and setting the standard for the rest of the globe by encouraging young people to enjoy exercise.

"The International Triathlon Union is committed to supporting the development of the sport worldwide, but more importantly to promoting the benefits of getting involved in sport as a part of a healthy active lifestyle," said Mr Mahony.

"Youth participation is a fundamental principle of ITU, and with the announcement of the Youth Olympic Games, this record attempt comes at a great time. We are proud to throw the challenge out to Australian kids and their New Zealand counterparts in this trans-Tasman challenge to show the world how easy and how much fun it is to get fit and participate in a triathlon."

Weet-Bix TRY-athlon National Ambassador Jessicah Schipper, a World Champion and Commonwealth Games swimming gold medallist, said the TRY-athlon is a fantastic way for kids of all abilities around the country to get moving.

"No placings or times are recorded, everyone who enters gets a medal, and there are variable distances for different age groups. More than 60,000 Aussie kids have taken part in the event since it started here 10 years ago – it's a brilliant way to get active with your mates and best of all it's great fun," she said.

Dr Christine Bennett, MBF Chief Medical Officer and Chair of the MBF Foundation Steering Committee, said the KidFit Triathlons are an important initiative to help combat childhood obesity in Australia.

"About 1 in 5 Australian children are overweight or obese¹. Numerous studies have shown that the obesity crisis is due to a combination of poor diet and low levels of physical activity because of increasingly sedentary lifestyles," Dr Bennett said.

"The MBF Foundation KidFit Triathlons is a great reminder for children that exercise can be enjoyable and hopefully will lead to a lifetime commitment to being active as part of an overall healthy lifestyle."

Running from February to April, the Weet-Bix Kids TRY-athlon is open to all kids aged seven (7) to 15:

1. 7-10 years old: 100m swim, 3km cycle, 500m run;
2. 11-15 years old: 200m swim, 6km cycle, 1km run;

In 2008 the Australian series takes in nine locations across capital cities and major regional areas between February and April. Registrations close two weeks before each event. Limited places are available, so register today to be a part of the World Record attempt at www.weetbix.com.au!

To find out more about Kidz Bodz programs visit www.kidzbodz.com.au.

Event Dates & Locations for 2008 Series

_{¹ Better Health Channel, Victorian Government}

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