ACHIEVE Kids Tri Inc, a Washington, D.C., based organisation that designs and implements youth-based triathlon training and fitness programmes, has launched its summer programme. In partnership with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), ACHIEVE takes kids through a six-week instruction and fitness training programme, provided free of charge, monitored by USA Triathlon (USAT) certified coaches.
At a benefit event hosted by the Washington Hilton, organisers announced receipt of a grant from USAT, the National Governing Body for multisport in the US, which will help the programme expand to new regions. Launched initially in Washington, D.C., the programme expanded to Houston, Texas, in its second year. This year, the programme will launch in Waterbury, Connecticut, and next year, ACHIEVE is reviewing potential sites in Atlanta, Georgia., Chicago, Illinois, and San Francisco, California.
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty said, "The District is committed to ensuring that kids have access to quality fitness and sports programmes at our local schools, and parks and recreation facilities. By encouraging our youth to participate in physical activities, we are laying the proper foundation for them to chose healthy lifestyles. As a triathlete, I know first-hand the benefits that can result.”
The ACHIEVE programme helps kids master the fundamentals of swimming, cycling, running and the specifics of triathlon racing, as well as the essentials of proper nutrition, stretching, strength-training and flexibility. The ACHIEVE programme concludes each season with a timed short-course triathlon race, certified and sanctioned by USAT.
“We are grateful to USAT for this generous grant which is helping us expand the programme and bring the benefits of triathlon training to a new generation of young athletes,” noted Molly Quinn, Executive Director of ACHIEVE. “We believe this programme is an example of how a unique public-private partnership, such as the one we have between ACHIEVE and the Department of Parks and Recreation, can fulfil First Lady Michelle Obama’s vision of promoting health, fitness and nutrition for the nation’s young people.”
“ACHIEVE Kids Tri is truly fuelling the multisport lifestyle in today’s youth, and USA Triathlon is proud to partner with this exciting programme,” added USA Triathlon CEO Skip Gilbert. “Instilling healthy habits at an early age is very important, and the ACHIEVE camps do a remarkable job of introducing our sport to children each summer.”
