Selection for Afrika Tikkun triathlon team underway
Dozens of youngsters flocked to events held by Afrika Tikkun to sign up for the 2011 London Triathlon. After a rigorous selection process, 20 hopeful triathletes have been selected for the Afrika Tikkun ‘Prepare for London’ squad. This group will also form the core of a sustainable MaAfrika Tikkun triathlon club that will spearhead development of the sport in their communities.
Dozens of youngsters flocked to events held by Afrika Tikkun to sign up for the 2011 London Triathlon
Thomas Taole, Afrika Tikkun’s Sports Programme Coordinator said: “Our goal has been to select young people who are not just good at running, cycling and swimming, but who can serve as role models for their communities. They have to make a commitment to the programme that extends beyond the London event”.
Many of these youngsters are natural athletes with heaps of untapped potential and Coach Michael Moriarty from Central Gauteng Triathlon is beaming with delight. However, these young men and women are going to require far more than expert training and local competition to prepare them for the rigours of triathlon. They are going to need what most of us take for granted: water bottles, training kits including shoes and most importantly nutrition.
Their Coach, Michael Moriarty said: “Most triathletes focus on eating the right kind of food to enhance their performance. These youngsters just need to be able to eat. They cannot train properly on an empty stomach. They can’t be expected to develop as athletes if they don’t eat nutritious food regularly”.
This is a challenge that is being addressed by MaAfrika Tikkun as a matter of urgency.
While overcoming these challenges, this group of 20 will compete in a number of events until the final three are chosen to join the Belron® team at the 2011 London Triathlon.
