 Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Programs Few Chicago inner city minority youngsters know about the sport of triathlon; even fewer have the know-how and access to the equipment to participate in one. African-Americans are under-represented in the sport of triathlon, particularly among younger competitors. Less than 1% of the athletes taking part in triathlons are African-American.
This disturbing statistic was one of the key motivating factors in developing the Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Programs. Founded in 1992 with 30 youth athletes, this unique program now teaches over 100 boys and girls (ages 6-14) the sport of triathlon. Summer Triathlon Training Program Summer Triathlon Training Program Tri-Masters hosts a seven-week summer program in order to introduce children to the sport of triathlon and to prepare them for various competitions and events. In addition to teaching swimming, biking and running skills, the program develops self-esteem, and teaches the athletes about goal setting and team playing. The discipline and endurance required to compete in a triathlon prepares the young Tri-Masters athletes for the challenges that face them ahead in attaining their education and career goals. The program offers youth an alternative way of thinking, acting and relating to themselves, their choices and the world around them. They are exposed to a university setting, competition environments, international cultural exchanges, and workshops with educational, sports and business leaders. Through a diverse group of motivational speakers and mentors, the program stresses the importance of excelling in school and avoiding drugs, gangs and violence. Over the years, speakers have included top-ranked Ironman triathletes Mike Pigg and Wendy Ingraham; Super Bowl participant and Ironman triathlete Daryl Haley; U.S. Secret Service Agent-Emergency Response Team and Ironman triathlete Timothy Jacobs; former Chicago Bulls Craig Hodges; Mary Landi, Peace Runs International; and Officer Cecilia Bohan, Preventive Programs-Chicago Police Department. Local triathletes also volunteer, speak and train with the program athletes. Since 1992, the program has trained over 1,200 youth athletes in the fundamentals necessary to compete in the sport of triathlon. Program participants have competed locally, nationally and internationally in numerous triathlon and running events. And, the program athletes give back by volunteering in various events each season. SUMMER 2008 PROGRAM: Tri-Masters Sports Initiative Programs is now accepting applications for the 2008 Summer Program. This seven-week program is open to children ages 6 to 14. Program begins Monday, June 23, 2008 and continues through Saturday, August 2, 2008. Training is held Monday through Thursday, from 10:00am - 4:00pm. NO FRIDAY SESSIONS. All athletes will meet at Bally Total Fitness Sports Club-Hyde Park, 1301 East 47th Street, Chicago.
A tune up training for participants registered for the McDonalds Kids Triathlon only is scheduled for August 19 and 21.
Click here for Program Schedule. Please carefully review all Program Details. Click here for Program Application. Please carefully review and fully complete Application. Application deadline is Monday, June 16, 2008 or first 60 completed applications with paid fees and completed physical form. After-School Triathlon Training for Youth An After-School Program was founded in 1993, to encourage youth to continue their training program throughout the year, and provide year-round reinforcement of the skills and values learned in the Youth Summer Program: swimming, biking and running skills, self-esteem, goal setting, team playing, discipline and endurance. Currently, Tri-Masters is holding after-school programs in three Chicago-area elementary schools. The program focuses on physical fitness and mentoring on life skills, conflict resolution and leadership develoment. CLICK HERE to find about more about contributing and sponsorship. Copyright 2008 Tri-Masters |
