– Barilla calling on Cork students to unlock their inner TriHero
Cork schools are being encouraged to register for TriHeroes, a schools triathlon programme which brings together the lifelong activities of swimming, cycling and running to inspire, motivate and challenge children to participate in a healthy and active lifestyle.
The TriHeroes programme, delivered by Triathlon Ireland and supported by Barilla, a family owned Italian food company and advocate for a healthy lifestyle, helps teachers introduce triathlon activities in a safe and positive environment.
The benefits of sport cannot be understated and recent Sport Ireland research has shown that students who play sport achieve, on average, higher points in the Leaving Cert than those that do not. It also highlighted that swimming, cycling and running are the most likely sports to be continued into adult life.
Delivered by Triathlon Ireland’s development team, the programme is typically run over six 90-minute training sessions with students taking part in a mini triathlon at the end of the programme giving students a taste of this hugely popular sport and exposing them to three sports that could see them excel in the Leaving Cert and later life.
With the support of Barilla, the TriHeroes programme, launched in 2016, has helped hundreds of children and young teenagers gain confidence in swimming, cycling and running and has brought youth participation in triathlon to new heights.
Triathlon Ireland CEO, Chris Kitchen added: “We view triathlon as a sport that is suitable for people of all ages and abilities and that starts with children as young as four years old. Learning to swim and ride a bicycle with confidence are important skills for any young person, allowing healthy physical activity to become an enjoyable part of everyday life right through to adulthood.”
Paula Butterly, Barilla Business Account Manager commented: “Barilla has always advocated a message of maintaining a healthy lifestyle through sport and healthy eating. Barilla founder, Pietro Barilla, once said ‘Give people food you would give to your own children’ and this philosophy has carried on over the generations in the Barilla group. Triathlon Ireland’s commitment to educating children on the benefits of enjoying sport and keeping fit match our own beliefs and therefore we are delighted to support them with the TriHeroes programme and would encourage schools to introduce the unique and varied sport of triathlon to their pupils through this inclusive programme.”
Primary and secondary schools can find out more about the TriHeroes programme at www.triathlonireland.com and register their interest at schools@triathlonireland.com.
A gourmet selection of recipes, perfect for budding triathletes and prepared with seasonal ingredients for vegetarians, as well as meat and fish lovers is available at www.barilla.co.uk.
