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Health & Fitness

Over 250 kids participate in McGaw YMCA 2013 Youth Triathlon

On Sunday, July 7th,  253 kids from ages 5 to 14 took part in the 5th Annual McGaw YMCA Youth Triathlon.  The entire event took place at ETHS, with the swim in their pool, the bike on a closed portion of Dodge Avenue, and the run on the school track.

 

Lori Siegel, Associate Operating Officer, Senior Director McGaw YMCA, and event organizer recognized the achievement of the young athletes. “Putting all three of the segments together creates a real challenge.”

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Tim Buran, an event volunteer from the community, could see the confidence-building effect that an event like this can have. “The best part of today was watching them cross the finish line. Each and every one of them got that look of accomplishment on their face, and they were so happy.” A parent of one of the participants, Tawana Johnson, added “This was Aiyana's first year participating and I believe Family Focus's first year and I really enjoyed it. Next year I would like to volunteer in any way possible with the Triathlon.”

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Parents Kristen and Michael O’Connor reported on their son’s experience: “[The race] was Owen’s first formal event of any kind and it was just great to watch his nervous excitement morph through the morning into pride of accomplishment.  By last night (still in his participant shirt), he was encouraging his little sister, Maeve, [to] join him next year.”

 

An event like this is truly a community event. Bill Geiger, President and CEO of the McGaw YMCA said, “It was a great event by every measure. We are especially proud of our significant partnership with Family Focus and The North Shore Illinois Chapter of The Links, Inc.” Through The Links, Inc., Family Focus was able to donate bikes, locks and helmets to 30 kids to enable them to participate in the event, while the McGaw YMCA provided swimsuits, caps and a 6-week class centered on physical activity and healthy food choices. One of the parents of this group of kids commented after the race, “Thank you on behalf of all the parents at Family Focus Community Center. It was such an experience for most of the children to compete in a triathlon. Everyone, children and parents alike, had a fantastic time through it all.”

 

 

The event would not happen without the support of generous sponsors and groups of wonderful volunteers from the community.  Our thanks go to ETHS for hosting the event and making their wonderful facilities available, and the McGaw YMCA greatly appreciates the support of platinum event sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. We are also grateful to our additional sponsors, Wellness Revolution, Chiro One, Precision Multisport, Evanston Running Club, Chicago Endurance Sports, Wheel & Sprocket and Andy’s Custard, all of whom helped to make this event possible.

 

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