Phuket Sports Academy Wins IronKids Triathlon

Phuket's newest sporting facility has secured a key partnership with World Triathlon Corporation's global youth programme – IronKids – and will celebrate the collaboration with its first regional event on 23 April 2011.

The Phuket International Academy Sports & Leisure Club's (PIASLC) partnership with IronKids will include four events each year on the island with a number of training camps run throughout the year, and will be known as PIASLC IronKids Phuket.

IronKids Director Michelle Payette said the key goals for PIASLC IronKids Phuket are to inspire and motivate youth through sport to lead an active, positive and healthy lifestyle. The Triathlon Camp series and race events target children ranging from 6 to 15 years and offer age-appropriate race distances and training with an emphasis on fitness, fun and safety.

"We are excited to collaborate on these events at PIASLC because our organisations share similar values. After being a resident in Phuket for more than eight years, I know first hand that the area has much to offer and is a prime sports destination for the region," Ms. Payette said.

The inaugural PIASLC IronKids Phuket event in April next year is for children ranging in ages from, 6 to 15. Those in the 6 to 8 age group will undertake a 50-metre swim, 3-kilometre bike ride and 500-metre run. Those in the 9 to 11 age group compete in a 150-metre swim, 6- kilometre bike ride and 1-kilometre run while those aged 12 to 15 participate in a 300-metre swim, 12-kilometre bike ride and 2-kilometre run.

The cost per individual entrant is THB750 or THB500 per person for teams entering the race. An early bird discount of 15% is being offered to all registrations before the 28 February 2011.

There will be a variety of training camps held at PIASLC throughout the year, with the initial camp taking place prior to the first triathlon event in April. Trainers will offer specific tips on triathlon and how to transition between disciplines, bike setup and maintenance, pacing and sportsmanship.

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