Double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes, visited Newham today to cast his eye over 1,000 children from 21 schools who experienced their first taste of triathlon.
Newham marks the start of the 2010 Corus Kids of Steel series, which will visit 15 venues in total and reach more people than it ever has in previous years.
The children took part in a mini-triathlon at Newham Leisure Centre, involving swimming, cycling and running.
Dame Kelly Holmes commented at the event, “It is fantastic to be here at Kids of Steel today and see hundreds of youngsters getting the chance to experience triathlon. The sport has some very talented young stars coming through at the moment and we need more events like this to help inspire the next generation.”
British Triathlon CEO Zara Hyde Peters said: "Corus Kids of Steel is a hugely popular and successful programme and we are delighted to see the series extend to 15 events this year, ensuring that around 12,000 children are exposed to the sport at community level as well as their parents, schoolteachers and a whole army of potential new sport participants."
Eight year old Katie Britto, also from St. Helen’s was taking part in her first triathlon today, after crossing the finishing line, she said, “I really enjoyed it, especially the running bit and getting my medal. I would like to do more things like this.”
