For the past ten years, the Vistra Jersey Kids’ Triathlon has seen children of all abilities aged between 6 – 13 (years 2- 8) swim, cycle and run their way around Les Quennevais Sports Centre all in aid of Blood Cancer UK – Jersey Branch. To celebrate the tenth Kids Triathlon, taking place on Saturday 10 June, the event is hoping to welcome 700 children to the start line as well as raise over £18,000 in 2023.

Chris Rowland, Chair of Blood Cancer UK – Jersey Branch was inspired to start the Jersey Kids’ Triathlon after spending time in New Zealand, watching her granddaughters participate in a similar event. Chris commented “I am amazed that the idea I brought back from New Zealand, having watched my granddaughters participating in a kid’s triathlon there, is now a wonderful event in Jersey with approximately 650 children of all ages and abilities taking part every year, the biggest children’s event in the Channel Islands.

Together with David Holmes, the charity has organised the event from the beginning and as we grew so quickly, 3D Events soon joined us. Together we have developed the Kids Triathlon into what it is today, an event where the children can give it a go, developing their swimming, cycling and running skills and giving them a sense of achievement no matter how long it took them. Every child is awarded a medal, t-shirt and a Vistra goodie bag.

All the funds raised from our triathlons go towards the research into all Blood Cancers, of which there are 137, and which affect more children than any other cancer. Great strides have been made recently and indeed it has been reported that it is possible that a cure for most cancers could be developed within this decade. Let us hope that the big C in future does not refer to Cancer but to CURE.”

The aim of the Vistra Jersey Kids’ Triathlon is to see every young triathlete cross the finish line. There are no winners or losers, just a fantastic number of special achievers, who are supported by expert volunteers from the Jersey Junior Tri Stars Club, Jersey Swimming Club, Jersey Cycling Association Youth Academy and Jersey Park Run.

The Board of Vistra Jersey commented “We are proud to be the named sponsor of the Jersey Kids’ Triathlon in aid of Blood Cancer UK – Jersey Branch as part of our commitment to our local community. Not only is this a great cause, it is a perfect opportunity for kids to engage in sports in a fun and non-competitive environment, cheered on by their friends and family. It is amazing that we have been part of this event for 6 years now and we are really excited to be involved for the 10th anniversary of the triathlon. We look forward to another successful event whilst raising awareness and funds for Blood Cancer UK – Jersey Branch to support their invaluable research and support with blood cancer.”

Parents and guardians can find out more about the event and register their children here: jerseykidstriathlon.com. Online registration will remain open until Friday 9 June at 5pm, but we highly recommend registering before this date to avoid disappointment.

For further information on The Vistra Jersey Kids’ Triathlon please visit www.jerseykidstriathlon.com