WINDSOR, N.S. – After last year’s cancellation due to weather, participants of the kid’s triathlon were happy to see the sun shining on Aug. 12 as they swam, biked and ran to the finish line.
Kevin Walsh, one of the main organizers of the event, said they were a bit concerned about the added traffic from the adjacent farmers’ market, but he said their presence actually added to the vibrancy and excitement of the event.
“A challenge this year was the addition of the Windsor Farmer’s Market in front of the Community Center,” Walsh said. “Our main goal is to have a safe and fun race so there was some concern with the extra traffic that the Market brings.”
“I’m happy to report that the Market vendors were very accommodating, and I feel that their presence only enhanced the event. It’s always nice seeing the town abuzz with activity.
Walsh said the vendors even provided juice boxes for all participants of the race.
The roughly 80 racers, aged three to 16, made their around town on foot and on bike, including a swim at the Hants Acquatic Centre, while 30-plus volunteers helped put the whole thing together.
For Walsh, the triathlon is a way to get young people enthusiastic about fitness at a young age.
“The race allows them to do it in a safe, fun and non-competitive environment,” he said. “By encouraging participation in sports to our youth hopefully we can help instil a lifetime of making fitness part of their routine. Who knows, maybe the next Simon Whitfield (Canadian Olympic gold medal triathlete who got his start in kids races) will hail from Windsor.”
Walsh said he favourite group of athletes to watch are the youngest, who burst into the wading pool with abandon and petal their hardest on tricycles.
He said they received a lot of support from the Town of Windsor, including their recreation department staff and students, and event sponsors, but were disappointed to see West Hants drop out of the event this year.
“For the first time we had no assistance from the Municipality of West Hants who typically provide a couple of their summer staff,” Walsh said. “I find it surprising when politics enters into an event such as ours all event such that is a win-win for our community Thanks to all of our volunteers - we couldn’t do it without them.”
The majority of participants come from Hants County and Halifax.
