Children can enjoy all the excitement of Britain’s fastest-growing sport when triathlon
taster sessions start in Darlington next month.
Juniors aged eight to 16 will be able to try their hand at all three triathlon disciplines –
swimming, cycling and running – under the supervision of qualified coaches.
The sessions run on Wednesdays from September 12 to October 17 in a joint
initiative by Polam Hall School, Triathlon England, Darlington Borough Council and
Darlington Triathlon Club. They are open to children from all over Darlington and
surrounding areas and last an hour from 4.30-5.30pm, with a cost of £1 per session.
Swim sessions will be held at the Dolphin Centre and bike and run sessions will be
held within the grounds of Polam Hall School. If the taster programme is successful,
it is hoped to launch a new junior section within Darlington Triathlon Club later this
year.
Michelle Scott, Regional Programme Manager for Triathlon England, says the sport is
on the crest of a wave following Team GB’s success in the Olympics.
“Millions around the world saw the Brownlee brothers claim gold and bronze in
the men’s race and interest in triathlon has never been higher, says Michelle Scott,
Regional Programme Manager for Triathlon England.
“Parents in Darlington have been asking us for some time to cater for the growing
demand for triathlon in schools, and these taster sessions are an ideal way for children
to try the sport.
“We expect take-up to be really strong as we have already had enquiries from a wide
area.”
Craig Wilkinson, Head of PE at Polam Hall, adds: “We have lots of pupils who want
to give a triathlon a go and we’re delighted to set the ball rolling with these tasters.”
In the four years since it was formed, Darlington Triathlon Club has grown to almost
100 members and is now the largest development club in the North-East.
“We are keen to develop a new junior section and are convinced there is the demand
within Darlington and surrounding areas to support it,” says chair Graham Bell.
For more information on the taster sessions, or to book your place, please contact
Adam Walker at Darlington Borough Council: adam.walker@darlington.gov.uk/
01325 254370.