Hever delivers triathlon training for primaries in historic setting
THE TriKnights Schools Roadshow returned to Hever Castle for three days on July 10-12 for triathlon-style training in swimming, cycling and running – as well as a cultural history workshop.
The educational project is organised by the Castle Triathlon Series, which hosts the world’s largest children’s triathlon at Hever in September.
Catherine Jameson, who won the British Middle Distance Championships at Hever Castle on July 8, and fellow elite triathlete Stephen Sims were on hand to inspire the next generation of Team GB triathletes.
The week saw primary schools from the villages of Hever, Penshurst, Chiddingstone and St Lawrence each bring 30 Key Stage 2 children for a half day of triathlon training and a half day of cultural learning about the historic setting.
All of the activity is linked to the curriculum while helping the schools to keep to their Active 30:30 commitment of 30 minutes’ exercise each day.
Alison Saunders, Headteacher of St Lawrence’s in Stone Street, near Sevenoaks, said: ‘This is a unique and exciting opportunity for the children to be exposed to a contemporary and popular sport.
‘Triathlon broken down is swimming, cycling and running, so naturally part of a child’s life, and this fun platform is a creative way of delivering the curriculum and benefitting the children.’
Comments from the pupils included: ‘It was an opportunity to do something new and it was great fun’; ‘It gave me a chance to find out what a real triathlon was like’; ‘I felt really proud of myself when I’d finished’; ‘I think swimming in the lake was better than swimming in a swimming pool.’
PICTURE: KNIGHTS TO REMEMBER: The next generation of triathletes at Hever Castle
