Kiwi kids who want to take part in this year's Hamilton Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon better get in quick as time is running out to register for the event.
The TRYathlon will be held at Waikato University grounds on February 9 and starts at 9am.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet sporting celebrities Alison Shanks, Sarah Walker and Pero Cameron who will attend the event.
Sanitarium surveyed the parents of kids who took part in a TRYathlon last year and results showed 97 per cent of participants 'loved their experience'. More than two-thirds were described as "glowing with pride", and 78 per cent of parents felt their child's self-confidence improved as a result of participating.
Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing New Zealand general manager Pierre van Heerden encourages all kids from Hamilton to enter in this year's TRYathlon.
"The statistics we received following last year's TRYathlon are a clear indication that Kiwi kids from all over New Zealand thoroughly enjoy the event and we want even more to take part this year.
"With increasing obesity rates in children of this age bracket, there is even more reason for kids of all levels of sporting ability to take part.
"The event focuses on encouraging kids to participate, achieve their personal best and, most of all, to have fun."
Ministry of Health data shows the obesity rate of children aged two to 14 in New Zealand has increased from 8 per cent in 2006/07 to 10 per cent in 2011/12, while a further 21 per cent of children were considered overweight.
Every child who participates in a Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon receives a race pack, a race T-shirt, a swim cap for all swimmers, a certificate and a medal. Breakfast is also available to all kids participating.
The Weet-Bix Foundation provides assistance to ensure even more children can take part in the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon.
Teachers and community leaders can apply for support from the Foundation on behalf of a child between the ages of seven and 15.
The worthy nominees will be provided a subsidy of entry fees, or a subsidy of necessary equipment to complete the event.
Entry numbers for the Hamilton Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon are limited, so schools and individuals who want to be involved should get in quick to secure their place. Kids can enter as individuals or in a team of two.
Registrations for the swim-bike-run event and nominations for Weet-Bix Foundation can be completed online at the website tryathlon.weetbix.co.nz or by phoning 09 531 5080.
The deadline for registrations is February 5, at 11:59pm.
ENTER AND WIN
We have five prize packs to give away. Each contains one free entry to the event, a Weet-Bix towel and a drink bottle.
To enter, email your name (or your child's), address, child's age and daytime telephone number, no later than 10am Tuesday, January 28, to danielle.nicholson@apn.co.nz