#MIKidsCan: Upcoming Camp Encourages Kids to Try Out a Triathlon
Guest Blogger
| 3 min read
“Try it, you may just like it.”
I often found myself uttering this phrase time and again when my son was young as I attempted to entice him to try a new food. While he grew, I noticed I was using the same phrase as encouragement to nudge him into a new experience, sport or other activity.
My husband and I discovered that kids are generally willing and eager to attempt new experiences with the right support. Being active ourselves, we wanted to instill in our son a love of curiosity for new things and for being active – whether through playing outside, walking the dog, riding bikes as a family or through a team sport. We encouraged him to try not just activities in which he would excel, but also activities that pushed him just a bit outside his comfort zones.
That’s the premise behind the upcoming Tri-City Kids’ Triathlon presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The event began in 2009 at Northwood University in Midland to give kids a chance to participate in an enjoyable, athletic event that emphasizes health, self-esteem, self-confidence and fun. In 2010, the race moved to Dow High School and now attracts hundreds of young athletes from across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
Because we want to encourage all kids to try something new, we’ve added a special week-long preparation camp. The #MIKidsCan Kids’ Triathlon Camp introduces kids to the basic techniques of swimming, cycling and running, as well as bike safety and maintenance, brick workouts, transition practice, race pacing, healthy living and sportsmanship.
Through drills, races, relays and games, kids who participate will not only learn about the sport of triathlon, but also build confidence, character and sportsmanship in a fun and safe atmosphere. The camp runs July 13 through 17 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. each day at the Greater Midland Community Center and is open to kids between the ages of seven to 13 regardless of whether they’re registered for the race. Cost is $98 for the week-long camp and includes a t-shirt and other giveaways from BCBSM.
We hope you’ll consider encouraging your kids to participate – after all, if they try it, they just might like it.
Jennifer Adamcik is race management and promotions director at Greater Midland Community Center in Midland. She oversees a variety of race events including the Loons Pennant Race, Dow RunWalk, Forest Frenzy and the Tri-City Kids’ Triathlon. Jennifer enjoys teaching Pilates and maintaining an active daily lifestyle. Tying healthy habits together with family life in the Adamcik household is essential.
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Photos courtesy Greater Midland Community Center
