Athlone kids encouraged to enter Aquathon

Sporty Athlone children between the ages of 10 to 14 can take part in a running and swimming competition in Athlone next month in a bid to promote the TriAthlone event for future competitors. This year"s Aquathon takes place in the Athlone Regional Sports Centre on Sunday July 6. As part of Waterways" Ireland TriAthlone and TriFest, the children will compete in swimming and running events on the day. For those aged between ten and 12, participants will compete in a 50m swim followed by a 400m run. Entrants aged 12 to 14 will take part in a 50m swim and an 800m run. There will also be an Aquathon relay event, where kids can compete with their parents, in a swim and a run. The main aim of the event is to introduce children to the growing sport of Triathalons, and perhaps in the future could compete in TriAthlone. The day is scheduled to be a day of fun and sport for children of abilities just as long as they can swim and run. The winner of every event will win a commemorative cup, while each participant will receive a goodie bag and a medal. The event is sponsored DB Cycles, Athlone Regional Sports Centre and Golden Island Shopping Centre. Anne Brennan from DB Cycles said: 'It is a great opportunity to get your children out and exercising. It"s a great fun for all the family and everyone gets to go away with a goodie bag and a medal for their participation.'