Pinawa Free Spirit Triathlon - Coming Soon!!

Tykes and Trykes and Pinawa Kids of Steel Triathlon....

By Martha Laverock

    This is a very busy time of the year for most families in town. Exams are being written and graduations are within sight. Summer holidays are being planned, and for those who are sticking close to our own backyards, well, either the home renovations or the calling of the golf courses are keeping most of us wishing there were more hours in the day.

    I just wanted to remind everyone of two more attractions that will be here within the month. The first event is the Pinawa Kids of Steel Triathlon (KOS) to be held in town on Saturday July 8th, 2006. Young athletes ranging in age from 6-16 compete in their swim, bike and run courses. They swim in the pool, bike the highway and run on along the graveled portion of Willis Drive. There are the serious competitors and those that really enjoy getting out with their friends. The age groups are run in heats so the kids are coming and going all the time. The registration is organized through Triathlon Manitoba, but the actual set-up and course marking is done by Pinawa volunteers.

    There is an even shorter race that precedes the KOS known as the Tykes and Trykes. These are the youngest of the athletes ranging in age from 2 or 3 to 5 years. They start with a walk through the shallow waters at the beach, ride their trykes a short distance, run to a turn around pylon, and head back to the finish line. There are no words by which to describe their efforts during their 5-minute race. They race with their hearts though and are cheered on by all who watch them compete. If you're an early riser we could use your help!

  The second event is the Pinawa Free Spirit Triathlon. Pinawa will once again host not only some of the top athletes in the province, but also will attract athletes from Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The race will be held on Sunday July 9th, 2006 at the marina location. There will be a cap of 150 athletes that are already well into the racing schedule for 2006. What we're looking for from the general public are volunteers willing to spend a few hours helping us make this the best race of the season. We need approximately 100 volunteers each year to make the course safe and secure for the athletes. These positions include set-up and takedown of the transition zone, set up and monitoring of the swim/bike/run courses, registration, timers, volunteers to hand out drinks and ice at the aid stations, and prepare food for the athletes once they have completed their race. We also pride ourselves on having one of the most secure races in the province, as our transition zone security is second to none. This means a great deal to the athletes as their equipment (bike, wetsuit, and clothing) is usually designed for that particular individual and would be quite costly to replace.

  There has never been an "excess" of volunteers and we will always be able to direct those who want to volunteer to the areas of need. As a token of appreciation, all volunteers will be given a thank-you gift. This allows us to, in a tangible way, say thank you for your participation as a volunteer. So, as part of the 2006 Race Committee for the PFST, I want to encourage everyone to volunteer. Whether you live here year round or are a seasonal visitor to Pinawa we could use your skills and expertise. The race is exciting and the competition is the best you'll see. The athletes put their heart and soul into what they do. Let's put ours into making the PFST (July 9th) the best race they'll have. The race starts at 8:30 am. Wear suitable clothing, and sunscreen, but be prepared to just have fun.

    Here is a breakdown of the individuals heading up the different segments and responsibilities for the race. To volunteer, please call one of the following:

Don Ewing (2577) - Race Director - Timers/Results

Peter Vilks (2492) - Swim Course

Elaine Greenfield (2515) - Bike Course

Ken Young (8302) - Run Course

Alf Wikjord (8844) - Transition Area

Martha Laverock (2791) - Meal, Food, Registration

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