SJ children have opportunity to compete in IronKids Triathlon Series

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  • By Ironkids
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  IronKids is now offering a military division at its national triathlon series events in the United States.

IronKids is a global series with 12 triathlon races in the U.S. and more than 15 triathlon, running and aquathon events throughout Europe and Asia-Pacific. Participants ranging in age from 6 to 15 compete in age-appropriate distances with an emphasis on fun and healthy competition.

Children of those assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB can participate in the event during the Raleigh competition June 27.

The IronKids Military Division will allow children of United States armed forces members to participate in a separate division at each of the 12 IronKids domestic events. To be eligible for the military division, the participant's parent or legal guardian must currently serve on active duty or be part of the National Guard and/or Reserve. Those in the military division will race according to the age group they fall under - ages 6-8, ages 9-11 or ages 12-15 - but will compete against each other for qualifying spots to the IronKids National Championship, taking place on Oct. 3 in St. Petersburg, Fla.

Military division coordinator, Navy Cmdr. David Haas, is no stranger to the sport of triathlon. Commander Haas is a 2009 Ford Ironman World Championship finisher who trained for the race while deployed on the USS Thach, a warship assigned to provide security to oil terminals in the Middle East.

"When asked to help establish a military division for IronKids, I jumped at the opportunity," he said. "I have two wonderful children who have seen me deployed 10 times and have always encouraged me to accomplish my mission. IronKids recognizes my and other children's sacrifices, commitment to family and service to their country. It is a thrill and honor to help in any way."

Adding to the excitement of race weekend, each IronKids event will see an opening ceremony by the Color Guard and volunteer support from local military members. The long-term goal of the IronKids Military Division is to create triathlon camps, clinics and mini-triathlons on military bases around the world - starting in countries where there is both U.S. military and IronKids presence.

"Adding a military division to the IronKids National Triathlon Series is something we are very proud of," said Michelle Payette, director of IronKids. "Military families inspire us, and we look forward to their attendance and involvement at IronKids events."

Interactive on-site activities include IronKids Expo, featuring product sampling, retail booths and activities as well as youth triathlon and nutrition clinics. The triathlon clinics, led by USAT-certified coaches and designed to teach the basics of triathlon, will take place approximately two weeks prior to each race, with a second clinic being held the day before each event.

To register for and learn more about the 2010 IronKids National Triathlon Series, visit www.IronKids.com. IronKids Military Division questions should be directed to Commander Haas at Ironkids.Military@IronKids.com.