06 June 2013
Corporate News

Tata Kids of Steel Triathlon Returns for 2013 Series

Tata Steel announced today the schedule for the 2013 Tata Kids of Steel triathlon series, as up to 10,000 youngsters look to swim, cycle and run the distance between London and the next Olympic host city Rio de Janeiro to celebrate the 2012 Olympic legacy.

The showcase events will take place at 12 venues across the UK as Tata Steel and British Triathlon bring back the Tata Kids of Steel series for the seventh successive year. The events will see children swim, cycle and run an estimated 10,000 kilometres, the same distance the Olympic Torch will travel from London to Rio.* 

Tata Kids of Steel aims to encourage children to adopt a healthier lifestyle through sport and exercise, working in partnership with local communities. After the success of the Tata Kids of Steel events in the London Olympic year, Tata Steel – in partnership with British Triathlon – has now confirmed this year’s dates and venues for youngsters to take part in the popular triathlon events. The series, which has enabled more than 50,000 children participate in triathlon since its launch in 2007, will take place between June and September.

The success of Team GB triathletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games was a massive boost to the sport in the UK and has led to the next generation of potential triathletes being more involved and active in the sport than ever before. The Tata Kids of Steel events are inclusive and accessible to school children aged between eight and 13 regardless of ability or experience

London 2012 Olympic Games Triathlon gold medallist, Alistair Brownlee, said: “It’s fantastic that the Tata Kids of Steel events are returning for 2013 as the sport looks to push on from the success and added interest of London 2012. Triathlon is a growing sport and the Tata Kids of Steel series is showcasing the sport to an increasing number of youngsters for the very first time. We hope they can be inspired to develop a real interest in the sport.”

Sytske Seyffert, Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Tata Steel, said: “This is the seventh year we have worked alongside the British Triathlon Federation to organise Tata Kids of Steel, a series we are very proud of.  Our events enable children to have a fantastic day out while participating in sport. Many of our employees volunteer at the events, helping us to develop long-term partnerships with our communities.  There are opportunities for more than 10,000 children to participate in the 2013 Tata Kids of Steel series, which is an immense achievement for everyone involved.”  

Zara Hyde Peters OBE, CEO of the British Triathlon Federation, added: “We’re delighted to continue to work alongside Tata Steel in this partnership, which has been a big success over our seven-year relationship, benefiting both UK children and the development of our sport.  

“The series has been the catalyst for the creation of our charitable arm, the British Triathlon Foundation, which was set up to help us inspire a generation.  

“The success of triathlon during the Olympic Games, together with the inclusive nature of the Tata Kids of Steel series, will no doubt contribute to the success of this initiative. It’s a great way for youngsters not only to learn about triathlon as a sport, but also to try out a unique sports event that has multiple benefits. With the World Series finale taking place in Hyde Park later this year, I’m sure it is going to be another big year for the sport in the UK and the Tata Kids of Steel series.”

The first event of the series will see the Tata Kids of Steel series move north to Scotland at Falkirk on Monday 3 June. The events subsequently head south, covering the rest of the UK including Swansea, Scunthorpe, Sheffield and Corby, before the final event in the Olympic borough of Newham on Monday 30 September.

The full list of the 2013 Tata Kids of Steel events is as follows:

1. Falkirk, Scotland – Monday 3 June
2. Carluke, Scotland – Wednesday 5 June
3. Swansea, Wales – Tuesday 2 July
4. Birmingham – Thursday 4 July
5. Corby – Tuesday 10 September
6. Scunthorpe – Tuesday 17 September
7. Sheffield – Wednesday 18 September
8. Teesside – Friday 20 September
9. Bristol – Tuesday 24 September
10. Workington – Wednesday 25 September
11. Mold, North Wales – Thursday 26 September
12. Newham – Monday 30 September

Many of the events are located close to Tata Steel’s manufacturing operations and Tata Steel employees will be volunteering to ensure the events run safely and smoothly. Tata Steel is the proud Corporate Partner of the British Triathlon Federation and strives to promote the sport while at the same time having a positive impact on the lives of young people throughout the UK.  

*Calculation made with 9,000 youngsters swimming, cycling and running the minimum distances (Swim=40m, Cycle=800m and Run=300m) = 10,260 km. Distance from London to Rio de Janeiro = 9,237 km

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For more information on how to get involved or contact the organisers, please visit www.tatasteeleurope.com/tatakidsofsteel

 

About Tata Steel

The European operations of Tata Steel comprise Europe's second largest steel producer. With the main steelmaking operations in the UK and Netherlands, they supply steel and related services to the construction, automotive, packaging, lifting & excavating, energy & power, aerospace and other demanding markets worldwide. The combined Tata Steel group is one of the world’s largest steel producers, with an aggregate crude steel capacity of more than 28 million tonnes and approximately 80,000 employees across four continents.  www.tatasteeleurope.com

 

About the British Triathlon Federation

British Triathlon is the National Governing Body for Triathlon, Paratriathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon in Great Britain, responsible for raising profile and delivering elite performance of the sport. Triathlon is a fast growing, dynamic and modern Olympic sport with talented world class athletes, coaches and support staff, focused around delivering world-class events and medal winning performances. 

 

Tata Steel has supported the British Triathlon Federation since 2006, and is proud to be enabling the sport of triathlon and to promote it amongst the youth, the possible champions of the future.TheBritish Triathlon Federation aims to promote excellence in our sport, and create opportunities for everyone to achieve their personal triathlon challenges. www.britishtriathlon.org

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Matt Peden                                           Hatch Communications             

mattpeden@hatchpr.co.uk                     +44 (0) 1943 855 630

 

Kirsty O’Connor                                     Hatch Communications

kirstyoconnor@hatchpr.co.uk                 +44 (0) 1943 855 630

 

Tom Goldspink                                      Communications Manager, 

                                                            British Triathlon Federation

tomgoldspink@britishtriathlon.org           +44 (0) 7795 415 452

 

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