The London Aquatics Centre and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park played host to the final event in a record breaking Tata – Kids of Steel triathlon series last week.
Nearly 9,500 children participated in this year’s mini triathlon series at ten events in Great Britain between May and July, taking the total number of youngsters who have participated in the series since 2007 to more than 75,000.
There were record levels of participation at most of the events and the series reached a major milestone at Wishaw in Scotland when the 70,000th child in the nine-year history of the series crossed the finishing line.
The series reached its climax in London on July 14 when more than 1,000 children from London, Scunthorpe, Corby, and Teesside celebrated the Olympic legacy by completing a triathlon in the prestigious London Aquatics Centre and Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
“Tata – Kids of Steel aims to inspire youngsters to lead a healthy and active lifestyle by giving them a positive experience of sport,” said Sytske Seyffert, Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Tata Steel. “This year we’ve seen record attendances and having the last event of the series at the iconic Olympic venue in London was the perfect ending to the season. None of this would have been possible without the parents, teachers and all the volunteers who helped to make these events a great success.”
Tata – Kids of Steel is one of the world’s largest and longest running kids’ triathlon series. It is organised by British Triathlon in collaboration with Tata Steel, and gives youngsters aged eight to 13 the chance to try the sport in a fun and safe environment.
There were record attendances at events in Scunthorpe, Corby, Workington, Teesside, Sheffield, Swansea and Newport.
Alina Samuel, 13, from St. Angela’s Ursuline School in Newham, London, is a keen swimmer and enjoyed putting her skills to the test in the Olympic pool. “After watching the Olympic Games on the television in 2012 it was a nice experience to be able to come here and do a triathlon,” said Alina. “I enjoy exercising and this event has inspired me to do more and improve my skills.”
The Tata – Kids of Steel triathlon events are part of Tata Steel’s Community Partnership Programme, which supports future generations predominantly in the areas in which the company operates.
Jack Buckner, Chief Executive of British Triathlon, said: 'It is a delight to see that the Tata – Kids of Steel series has continued to grow from strength to strength. Seeing the 70,000th child have the opportunity to take part was a particular highlight in 2015. It is brilliant to see such a strong, long running and socially conscious series continue to be so relevant and create a positive impact for so many children across Great Britain.”
Tata Steel has sponsored the British Triathlon Federation since 2006, and is proud to continue its association as its Community Sponsor, supporting Tata – Kids of Steel and having a positive impact on the lives of young people throughout Great Britain.
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For further information, contact:
Bob Jones Tata Steel press office
T. +44 (0) 207 717 4532 or E. bob.jones@tatasteel.com
Tom Goldspink British Triathlon Communications Manager
T. +44 (0) 7795 415 452 or E. tomgoldspink@britishtriathlon.org
About Tata Steel’s European operations
Tata Steel is Europe's second largest steel producer, with steelmaking in the UK and Netherlands, and manufacturing plants across Europe. The company supplies high-quality steel products to the most demanding markets, including construction, automotive, packaging, rail, lifting & excavating, energy and aerospace. Tata Steel works with customers to develop new steel products that give them a competitive edge. The combined Tata Steel group is one of the world’s largest steel producers, with a steel capacity of more than 28 million tonnes and 80,000 employees across five continents.
About British Triathlon
British Triathlon is the Governing Body for the sport in Great Britain. It is responsible for raising the profile and delivering elite performance for Triathlon, Paratriathlon, Duathlon and Aquathlon in Great Britain. 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. Visit www.britishtriathlon.org for more information.
Visit www.britishtriathlonmedia.org for downloadable image galleries, detailed athlete profiles, results, stats and information.
