"WIN-THE-FIGHT" / MD Youth Triathlon Series
The TRI-TO “WIN-THE-FIGHT” Frederick Kids Triathlon, through a special partnership with the Truxtun Youth Triathlon, TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon and Nottingham Kids Triathlon, is proud to announce a first of its kind youth triathlon series in Maryland, promoting sun-safe practices, encouraging healthy lifestyle choices through multisport and showing kids that winning is finishing what you start!
ABOUT THE MARYLAND YOUTH TRIATHLON SERIES
The Maryland Youth Triathlon Series was formed to drive awareness of Melanoma skin cancer among adolescents and young adults and support the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. Melanoma skin cancer is the most common cancer among young adults ages 25-29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old. Based in Maryland, the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation is a leading international voice for melanoma prevention, detection, care and cure. The Foundation promotes melanoma awareness through its “WIN-THE-FIGHT” initiatives including the TRI-TO “WIN-THE-FIGHT” Frederick Kids Triathlon. The Maryland Youth Triathlon Series will kick off on May 28, 2011, with the TRI-TO “WIN-THE-FIGHT” Frederick Kids Triathlon, in Frederick, MD. The complete Maryland Youth Triathlon Series schedule is below.
ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATION
All children completing at least two Maryland Youth Triathlon Series events will receive a certificate of recognition from the State of Maryland. Children completing three events will also receive a Maryland Youth Triathlon Series sun-safe hat. And, for each race a child completes he/she will receive an entry (up to a maximum of four entries) for a chance to win one of 10 grand prizes worth $40 at the end of the series!
MEET HUNTER LUSSI
Hunter Lussi completed his first triathlon at the age of six. At 13, Hunter became the youngest person to complete an ultra distance triathlon (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run). He has written two books, America, Get Off the Couch! and A Healthy America is One Bite Away, launched his own fitness program, America’s Tri for Health, and is a familiar face on Capitol Hill as an advocate in the fight against childhood obesity. Now, at 17, the Maryland native is lending his voice to the Maryland Youth Triathlon Series, helping to spread the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation’s sun-safe message and encourage healthy lifestyle choices through multisport. Hunter will be making appearances at all four Maryland Youth Triathlon Series events and all children participating will receive a signed copy of Hunter’s book, America, Get Off the Couch!
STAY SAFE WHILE STILL HAVING FUN IN THE SUN
- Generously apply a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA-UVB protection) to all exposed skin using an SPF of at least 30;
- Wear protective clothing such as a long sleeve shirt, pants, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV ray protection where possible;
- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 am and 4 pm;
- And use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.
SERIES EVENT 1 — Saturday, May 28, Frederick Kids Triathlon, Frederick, MD
The TRI-TO “WIN-THE-FIGHT” Frederick Kids Triathlon offers a safe, non-competitive experience for children ages 6 to 13 and provides important lessons on staying “safe” in the sun to “win the fight” against melanoma skin cancer. All race proceeds benefit the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation.
SERIES EVENT 2 — Sunday, June 19, Truxtun Youth Triathlon, Annapolis, MD
The Truxtun Youth Triathlon challenges children ages 7 to 17 in a highly supportive and motivating community environment with more than 200 youth athletes and their families joining us for a heart warming and challenging experience.
SERIES EVENT 3 — Sunday, July 24, TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon, Columbia, MD
The TriColumbia Kidz Triathlon provides children ages 7 to 14 the opportunity to experience a healthy, fit lifestyle while boosting self-esteem in a fun, family-friendly environment. Kids experience the thrill of a real triathlon just like their adult role models. Fit is fun and winning is finishing what you start.
SERIES EVENT 4 — Saturday, August 27, Nottingham Kids Triathlon, Mount Airy, MD
The Nottingham Kids Triathlon, presented by the MINI COW TRI CLUB, encourages healthy lifestyle choices through multisport with an emphasis on fun! Open to all knights and maidens ages 7 to 14, it has been named the USA Triathlon Mid-Atlantic Youth Regional Championship for 2011.
