Weet-Bix Tryathlon Launches Swimprove Programme

For Immediate Release
18 December 2006

Weet-Bix Tryathlon Launches Swimprove Programme
- Auckland kids have the chance to learn water skills from top athletes-

Organisers of the WEET-BIX Tryathlon have launched a new SWIMprove programme offering Auckland kids the chance to hone their swimming skills, with the help of top triathletes.

The SWIMprove programme, endorsed by Water Safety New Zealand, aims to improve water safety skills and encourage Kiwi kids to get fit and active. Kids, aged 8-15 years, will have the chance to win a swim session with top triathletes Hamish Carter and Debbie Tanner in Auckland.

Tanne Andrews, WEET-BIX senior brand manager, says a lack of confidence in the water is a common barrier preventing children from taking part in events such as the WEET-BIX Tryathlon.

"It is very common for kids to have mastered the basics of swimming but not necessarily have enough self-belief to take part in a large event like the WEET-BIX Tryathlon. There is also a large percentage of New Zealand children who would love to take part in the WEET-BIX Tryathlon but simply do not possess the basic swimming skills.

"The WEET-BIX Tryathlon SWIMprove programme will help kids fine-tune their swimming skills so they can take part in the event with confidence.

"The programme will also have a strong focus on water safety. Drowning is New Zealand's third highest cause of accidental death, so it is extremely important that children understand how to be safe in the water and this comes from confidence and an understanding of situations that may arise."

Matt Claridge, Water Safety New Zealand operations manager says: "Water Safety New Zealand's flagship project, Swim For Life, aims to have all New Zealand children able to swim 200m by age 12. At present less than 25% of children can achieve this standard. WSNZ and WEET-BIX through initiatives like Swim For Life and WEET-BIX Tryathlon provide fantastic opportunities for Kiwi kids to get in the water and develop the skills needed to achieve personal success."

Hamish Carter, the WEET-BIX Tryathlon ambassador, says: "SWIMprove is a great initiative which will boost the skills and confidence of deserving young Kiwis."

The WEET-BIX Tryathlon SWIMprove programme targets children who have some swimming ability, but would benefit from expert guidance to improve their skills and confidence. Participants will be decided via a competition, open to children from each of the four North Island Tryathlon regions (Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington).

The WEET-BIX Tryathlon SWIMprove coaching session will take place in Auckland in late January 2007. Three children from each of the four regions will be selected to take part in the coaching session. A similar session will be held in Christchurch for South Island children.

To enter the competition, kids simply need to write in (including their full contact details, age and school) and explain why they deserve to be a part of the WEET-BIX Tryathlon SWIMprove programme. Alternatively, children can be nominated by a swim coach, friend or parent. The deadline for entries is Monday 15 January 2007.

Entries can be sent to:
WEET-BIX Tryathlon SWIMprove competition
PO Box 37-116
Parnell, Auckland

ENDS

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