Tata Kids of Steel, which has enabled nearly 60,000 children to participate in since its launch in 2007, aims to encourage children to adopt a healthier lifestyle through sport and exercise, by working in partnership with the local community. 

 

Tata Steel, in partnership with British Triathlon, took the events to 12 venues for youngsters to ‘give it a tri’ in 2013 to continue the Olympic legacy. The Tata Kids of Steel events are inclusive and accessible to school children aged between eight and 13 regardless of ability or experience.

 

GB triathlete Vicky Holland, who attended the final event in Newham, said: “A huge congratulations to all the Tata Kids of Steel who have taken part in the triathlon series this year. It’s exciting to see the work of British Triathlon and Tata Steel, who are encouraging a new wave of participation at grassroots level through these events, as well as showcasing how fun triathlon is as a sport.”
 

Sytske Seyffert, Director of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs at Tata Steel, said: "This is the seventh year we have worked alongside the British Triathlon Federation to organise Tata Kids of Steel with nearly 60,000 children experiencing triathlon since the series launched in 2007. This year over 8,000 children from 237 schools took part which is a huge achievement. Many Tata Steel employees volunteered at the events and we are very proud of giving children across the UK and in our local communities the opportunity to have a fun, positive experience of sport, and hopefully inspiring future generations to adopt a healthier lifestyle through sport and exercise."

 

Zara Hyde Peters OBE, CEO of the British Triathlon Federation, added: “We’re delighted to continue to work alongside Tata Steel in this successful partnership, introducing children from across Britain to our fast growing, modern and dynamic sport of triathlon through a fun multisport experience.. The series has been the catalyst for the development of our charitable arm – the British Triathlon Foundation, which was set up to help us inspire a generation using triathlon.  

 

“The success of triathlon during the Olympic Games, together with the inclusive nature of the Tata Kids of Steel series, has without doubt contributed to the success of this programme. It’s a great way for youngsters to not only learn about triathlon as a sport, but to also try out a unique sports experience that has multiple benefits. With the PruHealth World Triathlon Grand Final London taking place in Hyde Park earlier this year, it has been another big year for the sport in Britain and for the Tata Kids of Steel series.” 

 

The full list of the 2013 Tata Kids of Steel events that took place are as follows:

 

1. Falkirk, Scotland – Monday 3 June - 617 children - 703,3802 metres

2. Carluke, Scotland – Wednesday 5 June - 606 children - 690,8402 metres

3. Swansea, Wales – Tuesday 2 July – 1,023 children - 1,166,2202  metres

4. Birmingham – Thursday 4 July - 510 children - 581,4002 metres

5. Corby – Tuesday 10 September - 852 children - 971,2802 metres

6. Scunthorpe – Tuesday 17 September - 807 children - 919,9802 metres

7. Sheffield – Wednesday 18 September - 497 children - 566,5802 metres

8. Teesside – Friday 20 September - 789 children - 1,025,7002 metres

9. Bristol – Tuesday 24 September - 834 children - 984,1202 metres

10. Workington – Wednesday 25 September - 406 children - 527,8002 metres

11. Mold, North Wales – Thursday 26 September - 922 children - 1,051,0802 metres

12. Newham – Monday 30 September – 434 children - 494,7602 metres

 

Many of the events are located close to Tata Steel’s manufacturing operations and Tata Steel employees volunteered to ensure the events ran safely and smoothly. Tata Steel is the proud Corporate Partner of the British Triathlon Federation and strives to promote the sport whilst at the same time having a positive impact on the lives of young people throughout the UK.