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For Immediate Release April 12, 2006

Contact: Brian Reardon (217) 544-6464 ext. 44306

Springfield triathlons encourage kids to compete
Team AthletiCare raises funds to help fight childhood obesity

SPRINGFIELD – AthletiCare, the sports medicine program of St. John’s Hospital, is sponsoring a series of triathlons this spring and summer in an effort to encourage active lifestyles, especially among young people, and to raise funds to enhance physical fitness among students attending Springfield-area elementary and middle schools.

Springfield’s triathlon season will splash off with AthletiCare’s 3rd annual Dew U Try the Tri triathlon on Sunday, May 7. The super-sprint triathlon is ideal for both experienced triathletes and beginners, and is open to anyone 14 years or older. Proceeds from the triathlon will go to Team AthletiCare, which has distributed more than a thousand dollars in grants to several area schools for physical education and recreational equipment.

During the weekend of July 15 – 16, AthletiCare is the title sponsor for the inaugural Springfield Tri-Fest. The event begins with a Saturday morning triathlon designed for kids ages 5 -13 at Lincoln Park. On Sunday, two triathlons, the Iron Abe and Stoneman, will be held at Lake Springfield.

“Swimming, biking and running are something kids naturally enjoy. Combining all three activities into competitive events that welcome all ages and levels of athletic ability is a great way to promote life-time physical fitness,” said Dr. Diane Hillard-Sembell, Springfield Clinic and medical director, AthletiCare.

Nationally, childhood obesity is rising at an alarming rate. According to a study this month in the International Journal of Pediatric Obesity, it’s estimated that over 46 percent of school-age children in the U.S. will be overweight by 2010 and that one in seven children will be obese. These health issues are mainly the result of children not getting enough exercise.

Team AthletiCare encourages competitors in endurance events such as marathons, half marathons, 10K races, 5K races, distance walking events, triathlons, century rides and swimming races to sign up donors to sponsor their participation. The money raised will then be made available to schools for fitness programs and equipment.

This year’s National City Bank Dew the Tri for Kids starts at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 15. The event includes a 100-yard swim inside Nelson Center, a one-mile bike inside Lincoln Park, and a 1,000 yard run. An awards ceremony for boys and girls will follow after the last runner crosses the finish line.

“Youth triathlons are a great way to get the whole family involved in the sport. We have a great weekend planned that will give experienced triathletes, beginners and kids the opportunity to compete and have fun,” said Bill Winberg, executive director of Springfield Tri Fest.

Over the past few years, Springfield has offered “kids only” triathlons. USA Triathlon reports that 334 triathlons were held last year for participants under the age of 23.

For more information about the Dew U Try the Tri or Team AthletiCare, call (217) 744-PLAY or visit www.athleticare.com. For information on Springfield Tri Fest visit www.springfieldtrifest.com.