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Triathlon centre stage in Swansea 6th/7th of August

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Truly collaborative in the interest of Parasport


 

When visions collide and passionate people drive to work collaboratively with a set of mutually beneficial goals, what seems impossible becomes possible.

August 2022 is a date for the start of something very exciting in Swansea.

Who is working closely together?

  • Welsh Triathlon
  • British Triathlon
  • UK Sport
  • World Triathlon
  • Event Wales, Welsh Government
  • Disability Sport Wales
  • Swansea Council
  • IRONMAN
  • University of Wales Trinity Saint David
  • Swansea University

The occasion is a week of inclusive sporting events centred around the World Triathlon Para Series event and a new mass participation event, IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea.    These two events alone would be spectacular, but Disability Sport Wales will also be delivering an Insport Series event offering grassroots opportunities across over 20 sports, including wheelchair rugby, basketball, and shooting. 

This would be more than enough, but Welsh Triathlon has a huge part to play in delivering a legacy programme of GO TRI events in and around Swansea, which in the first year alone aims to engage 8,000 school children aged 8 to 16.  This programme which starts in April 2022 aims to change the attitude towards disabled people in sport and activity, as well as make every child aware of and able to enjoy Swim, Bike, & Run activity.

Disability Sport Wales has the task of attracting as many national and international competitive events across the week and is working closely with several national governing bodies of sport, and Swansea Council to deliver a sustainable series of sporting activities throughout the first three years and beyond.  It hopes to evidence the development of a trained workforce to support the continued delivery of inclusive and disability specific opportunities, so making Wales, and Swansea the go to venue for inclusive sport.  With the development of a robust volunteer network and experienced event delivery staff, new skills will be gained and deployed in future years.  The most exciting outcome is the aim to develop tested pathways which will be in place to inspire children and provide wider opportunities to engage in parasport.

With the World Triathlon Para Series confirmed for the next three years, British Triathlon is committed to leading the elevation of standards and the profile of paratriathlon on the global stage.   It is looking to develop a stronger talent identification platform for performance athletes and future Paralympians in Britain. 

The giant in the world of long-distance triathlon, IRONMAN, has made a commitment to Wales of not only IRONMAN Wales held annually in Tenby but now a new IRONMAN 70.3 in Swansea.  This event will see over 2,150 athletes compete in a 1.9km swim, 90km bike, and 21.1km run – welcoming 63% Welsh competitors to the field and other athletes coming from as far as Africa and New Zealand.

Two major triathlon events in one weekend will provide a spectacle for visitors and locals alike.   There are also very tangible and welcome benefits in shared resources for the city and the major event organisers.  It is very welcome to see such progressive collaborations amongst stakeholders in Wales.

When it comes to hosting international events, Swansea has an enviable track record.  Swansea Council sees this as another exciting opportunity to showcase a rapidly regenerating city to a new international community.

Swansea will be recognised as a location for inclusive and accessible events.  Working with Welsh Triathlon, Swansea Council and the Swansea based universities and colleges are engaging young people to gain skills and training in sport, with internships and course-enhancing opportunities. 

Event Wales has committed funding support to the festival demonstrating its commitment to both international events and the growth of ‘home grown’ events with economic benefits and collaborative working.  Event Wales is delighted to see the effective partnership working between the host city, different event owners, and varied stakeholders.   It is committed to profiling locations across Wales and providing a geographical spread of activity.  In supporting this festival, it is signalling Wales’s gradual exit from the pandemic.

2022 will herald the first year towards making Swansea the centre of the UK as a leading parasport city.    If you are interested in commercial support, volunteering or taking part in any aspect of the festival please contact admin@welshtriathlon.org  and we can direct you to the relevant parties.

 

 

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