Pilot aims to get women active through triathlon
British Triathlon have teamed up with Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign to launch a new pilot scheme in the West-Midlands, encouraging women to think differently about how they get active. The emphasis is placed on moving away from traditional ‘New Year fad diets’ and using triathlon-based activity to get healthy, fit and have fun in the process.
With female participation in triathlon at an all-time high, the campaign aims to encourage a new wave of women to take their first step into the sport during 2017.
The scheme, titled ‘This Girl Can… do triathlon (any which way she likes)’ asks women within the region to take part in one swim, one cycle and one run/walk every week in March.
Support will be available through a range of local GO TRI activities to help those looking to start out on their triathlon journey. A special Facebook group has been set up where women can access top tips and advice about all things triathlon, and getting fit and healthy. Those taking part will be asked to pledge their weekly activity using an online platform throughout the month.
Natalie Justice-Dearn, British Triathlon Director of Delivery, said: “Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign is a national celebration of active women, no matter what activity level they may be at.
“The scheme we are launching across the West-Midlands aims to build on this by offering triathlon-based activity as a simple and adaptable way of improving fitness that can easily incorporated into a busy lifestyle. It will link in with our national GO TRI programme, designed as a low-cost, easy access pathway into the sport for compete triathlon beginners.
“Activity could include a length of the local pool, a cycle on a static bike in the gym and a jog around the block with friends; it’s completely down to the individual to decide what works best for them.”
The pilot scheme will run across Birmingham, the Black Country, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Staffordshire. Women who want to take part can join the private Facebook group.
Sign up to GO TRI Join Facebook group
For more information on what British Triathlon are doing to support women’s participation, please visit here.
For further information on GO TRI, please visit here.
