Triathlon: Kids event to go national

SBR Tri-Kids founder Murray Healey giving his children some training last year. From left to right, Alexi, 9, McKenzie, 11, and Nico, 8. Photo / File

A successful Northland triathlon initiative is poised to go nationwide after attracting a major new naming rights sponsor.

Kellogg's Nutri-Grain has stepped up as the major sponsor for Northland Tri-Kids sports programme, to be known now as Kellogg's Nutri-Grain SBR Kids NZ.

The programme, which has been launched initially into Northland schools with an eye to being developed nationwide, kicked off February 2 at Hikurangi Primary and has been well received.

"Kids love it, teachers have been impressed and this sponsorship means we can build on the momentum we have gathered in the last three years," founder Murray Healey said."The dream has always been to take a programme like this nationwide."

The new sponsorship is a massive boost and will help roll out an upgraded programme into Northland schools.

"The main goal has always been to get as many Northland schools as possible to have their students at least try the sport of triathlon. It has given some kids opportunities to extend themselves in a non-traditional sporting code."

The Kellogg's sponsorship will be rolled out exclusively in Northland this summer with plans now well advanced to launch into other regions later this year and as a grassroots initiative, there is potential for it to have a large impact.

"Kids who have never ridden a bike before and certainly haven't even thought about swimming, cycling and running in one event have discovered anything is possible," Healey said.

"It gives kids a tangible opportunity to realise their true potential."

As part of the sponsorship launch this summer, one participating school will win a full Kellogg's Nutri-Grain breakfast for the entire school and have former world 70.3 Ironman champion Terenzo Bozzone attend the breakfast.

The programme is taking place at Maunu School this week before heading to Parua Bay from March 1-6.