Triathletes are Kids of Steel – fortified with fun

The Colby family posed for a photograph outside the Bloomfield Town Hall before a fundraiser where The County’s Colby family highly recommends the family fun-filled Kids of Steel event. Chase, at front with, (from left), Que, Emma, Josh and Rowan

By Michael Pothier
A few hundred athletes will test their mettle Sunday, May 31 at the County Kids of Steel triathlon – and the Colby family is looking forward to 9th annual event in Picton.

The County KOS Triathlon offers children and teens the experience of a triathlon in a positive and fun way with age appropriate distances for swimming, biking and running.

Emma

The County’s Colby family makes the day a family event.

Parents Josh and Que Colby call the event one of their favorites of the year – and their children appear to agree, although for different reasons.

Emma, their youngest, cheered at the mention of the event and declared the “running” and the “body markings” were her favourite parts of the triathlong. She’s looking forward to this year’s race.

Chase

Chase, the oldest child, reports he “really liked the free hot dog”, but on a serious note, recommended participants “need to push it” if they want to make it the podium like he did last year.

Middle child Rowan favours the swimming portion as his favorite, but indicated his swimming time isn’t as much of a challenge as he enjoys being part of the Quinte Dolphin Swim Club.

“It’s a day for families, and for kids,” Dr. Colby said, noting quality support from many people in the County, including volunteers, the host Prince Edward Fitness and Aquatic Centre,  the swim instructors, the Bloomfield Bicycle Company, St. John Ambulance and all the age groups that are involved.

“It’s very exciting seeing the little kids trudging around on their little bikes,” he added.

For families who would be new to the day, Que confirms the event is well run.

“Both Michelle and Stephanie (Pothier and Roth – key organizers) are fantastic and put a lot of effort into making it a well supported event.

Rowan

“It’s very inspirational to see the kids do this. Being able follow instruction, know where to go, and what to do next,” she noted, adding that “The parents are also supportive, cheering on every kid that passes that finish line. It’s just a fun day”

More than 200 competitors attend – from the County and beyond, including  Ottawa, Toronto, Kingston.

“The key is to just do it,” said Josh Colby. We’re not sports fanatics, but we just bring the kids out, sign up and do it. Really the competitive aspect is a very small part of it. The most fun aspect is just doing it, and being there, seeing everybody, and seeing the kids grow up, and they have a great time.”

Registration closes Friday, May 29th.

A free KOS Drop-in Clinic is set for Sunday, May 24th from 10 – 11 a.m. at the Prince Edward Fitness & Aquatic Centre 132638 Loyalist Parkway, Picton (race day location)
Everybody is welcom to join the County KOS race crew for a fun- filled review of the importance of the equipment, the transition area, the routes and the finish line. All are welcome. This is a drop in clinic. No need to reserve a spot.

About 200 volunteers are required at the event and more are needed to sign up for this year.  Contact volunteer co-ordinator Krista Macpherson at 613-919-8282  or, visit  www.countykidsofsteel.ca