The weather might well be getting warmer but don’t let that stop you from registering your kids for the final Abu Dhabi Junior Aquathlon later this month.
To be held on Friday, April 29 from 07:00, Al Bateen Beach will be the venue as youngsters from the UAE take to the waters and track in the multi-discipline event.
Previous editions have been huge hits with an impressive turnout with a number of schools from the capital competing and this month’s will be no different.
“We are expecting big numbers considering it’s the last race of the season,” said Steve Watson, managing partner of Gulf Multi Sport, organisers of the event.
“Although there’s still less than two weeks to go, a lot of people will leave registration until the last minute, which is quite normal in the region, but I’m sure it will be another big success.
“Since the very first one we held, the junior aquathlon programme has grown considerably and it’s now become a must-do for a number of reasons.
“Firstly, it’s a chance for them to embrace all the multi-sport disciplines. Aquathlon has generated an increase of participation from the schools over the years and it gives them the opportunity to close their season with a personal best.”
There are different age and distance categories to choose from. For those aged between 4-10, they will swim 50m followed by a 100m run to the finish.
The Splash and Dash event will see kids aged 8-14 compete the 100m swim and 750 run, while the Competitive categories is double the distance.
For those who want to test themselves further, the Super Sprint consists of a 375m swim followed by a 2.5km run.
With a few days to go, Watson says there will be plenty of positives for kids who sign up.
“The great thing about doing sports is that participation counts,” he said.
“It’s not just the parents, the schools also embrace the opportunity of allowing their pupils to live a healthy lifestyle and it’s a fantastic event that they will enjoy.
“It will be held a safe environment and although the weather will be a bit warm, there is plenty of shade and it’s done early in the morning before the heat really hits in.”
