City to host premier tri event

Danny Jonas

Whanganui will play host to more than 600 high school athletes and their supporters when the city hosts the 2017 New Zealand Schools Triathlon Championships. The event was officially launched last night at Mud Ducks with a function for organisers and supporters.

Sport Whanganui is managing the event in partnership with Whanganui Triathlon Club and Tri NZ and chief executive Danny Jonas said the momentum was building towards what was a premier national school sporting event.

"Already key national and local relationships and partnerships are being forged as we collaborate and work towards putting on an event that Whanganui and the rest of New Zealand can be proud of," he said.

The 2017 event will feature an opening ceremony on March 29 and four key events on March 30 and 31.These include an aquathlon, an individual and team triathlon and a sprint tag team triathlon - all set to take place along the Whanganui River in the city.

Whanganui was awarded hosting rights last year and preparation has been underway since.

David Jones Suzuki was announced as naming rights sponsor and general manager Gareth Jones said it would be chance to showcase Whanganui. "We pride ourselves on supporting Whanganui's community and events," he said. "It's a real honour to have these championships here and it's a great chance to show our visitors all that Whanganui has to offer."

Tri NZ technical and events adviser Shanelle Barrett said the NZ Schools Triathlon was an important stepping stone for athletes and the field was growing each year.

"Allowing external providers to manage the event means we're also growing capability in each region, which is an important part of Tri NZ's growth in the regions. We encourage event organisers to work closely with clubs and this is something that's working seamlessly here in Whanganui and this will also provide a pathway for local athletes after the 2017 event."

Olympic triathlete Debbie Tanner said the NZ Schools Triathlon Championships was an important event in her career development. "It's the fundamental lessons I learnt through competing in the Championships year after year that helped me on my journey to representing New Zealand in the Olympic Games," she said.