Sarah Walker join kids at Rotorua Weet-Bix Tryathlon

Sarah Walker

What do an Olympic medallist and a Kiwi breakfast favourite have in common? Both will be at Kuirau Park on December 8 as Rotorua plays host to the Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids Tryathlon.

The event, for children aged seven to 15, is making its debut in the city and to celebrate there are 400 subsidised entries courtesy of the Rotorua District Council and Weet-Bix on offer to the first to enter.

Kawerau BMX legend and Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker will be at the event to cheer children on and encourage them to give it a try.

Since 1993, more than 260,000 kids have participated in the annual Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon and the new Rotorua event means even more children can take part.

After the success of Gisborne as an addition to the series last year, organisers said the decision to include Rotorua was an easy one.

"The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is about giving it a go and giving it your all - whatever that means for you," said Pierre van Heerden, general manager for Sanitarium Health and Wellbeing Company.

"The TRYathlons are fun for the whole family; the atmosphere and crowd on the day is great, so we are thrilled to bring an event to Rotorua. The Rotorua District Council and Sport Bay of Plenty have been so incredibly supportive, for which we are very grateful.

"Taking the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon series to Rotorua was a natural step and we know the community will get behind the event and encourage their youngsters to get involved. Every year, children come to these events with a great give-it-a-go mentality and it is inspiring to see them get involved."

Every child who participates receives a race pack, a race T-shirt, a swim cap for all swimmers, a certificate and a medal.

Kiwi kids can enter the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon as individuals, or in a team of two. The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon event has a limited number of places available, so schools and individuals who want to be involved should get in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Registrations for the 2013-2014 Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon Series and nominations for Weet-Bix TRYathlon Foundation can be completed online at try.weetbix.co.nz or by calling 09 531 5080.

Go to B2 for your chance to win entry into the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon and other prizes.