Tasmanian kids celebrate 10 years of fun and fitness in the KidFit Triathlon
Entries are now open for the 2009 MBF Foundation KidFit Triathlons in February and March which will see hundreds of kids celebrate the 10th birthday of the series while having fun getting active.
Children of all fitness levels will swim, ride and run their way around courses at three major centres across Tasmania.
Open to boys and girls aged seven to 15, the KidFit Triathlons inspire children to get off the couch and get active in a friendly and supportive environment where the emphasis is on enjoying the experience rather than competition.
Distances are specially tailored for different age groups so that children of varying abilities can successfully complete the course and feel the thrill of becoming a real triathlete.
The series is the result of a collaboration between the MBF Foundation and Life. Be in it.
Dr Christine Bennett, Chair of the MBF Foundation Steering Committee, Chief Medical Officer for Bupa Australia* and paediatrician, said getting kids into the habit of exercise and activity is important to help combat issues like obesity later in life.
"With unhealthy habits and lifestyle choices linked to more than half of all health problems, the MBF Foundation KidFit Triathlon series is a fun way to help kids learn the benefits of exercise and keeping active - lessons they can take with them throughout life," Dr Bennett said.
Hawthorn Football Club legend and MBF Senior Manager for Tasmania, Peter Hudson, urged kids across Tasmania to get their entry forms in and start training early for the KidFit Triathlon as the perfect way to kick-start a healthy lifestyle and have a great time.
"You don’t have to be a professional athlete to be a part of an event like the MBF Foundation KidFit Triathlon. I encourage all children to get involved and see how easy it is to make exercise a part of everyday life," said Mr Hudson.
The 2009 MBF Foundation KidFit Triathlons will take place at three major locations: Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club: Saturday 28 February 2009 Registrations from 9.00am for a 10.00am start George Town Swimming Pool: Sunday 1 March 2009 Registrations from 9.00am for a 10.00am start Blackman’s Bay Beach, Hobart: Sunday 15 March 2009 Registrations from 8.30am for a 10.00am start The KidFit Triathlons are open to all kids aged seven to 15 in the following categories:
- 1. 7-8 years old - 25m swim, 1km cycle, 400m run;
- 2. 9-10 years old - 50m swim, 1.5km cycle, 600m run;
- 3. 11-12 years old - 75m swim, 2km cycle, 1km run;
- 4. 13-15 years old - 100m swim, 2km cycle, 1km run.
Entry forms to this free event are available online at www.tas.lifebeinit.org, from local schools and MBF Member Centres or by calling 1300 73 83 63.
About the MBF Foundation
The MBF Foundation was established by MBF Australia in 2005 as a charitable organisation to support partnerships and activities in important health research, health education and programs to help build a healthier Australian community. Focusing on promoting wellness and preventing obesity, healthy ageing and keeping healthcare affordable the Foundation to date has received around 500 high quality proposals and funded over 30 projects nationally. We are partnered with leading researchers, academic institutions and community groups. For more information, please visit the MBF Foundation or email foundation@mbf.com.au
*Bupa Australia cares for its customers under the brands MBF, HBA, Mutual Community and ClearView.
