Inspiring Kids "ACHIEVE" Through Youth Triathlon Program

On Saturday, August 4, 2012, 30 area kids from the Greater Waterbury and Tribury region will take their final swim, bike and run in the culminating event of the ACHIEVE Kids Tri youth triathlon program from the Greater Waterbury YMCA.

In its third year, the ACHIEVE Kids Tri program, provided free-of-charge through funding of the Greater Waterbury YMCA, takes 30 youngsters, ages 8 – 14, on the journey of training for and participating in a triathlon.  The 6-week training camp program culminates in a real, timed, USA Triathlon (USAT)-sanctioned short-course triathlon.

The Waterbury YMCA ACHIEVE Kids Tri will be held at YMCA Camp Mataucha in Watertown, CT on August 4 , 2012. The ACHIEVE program helps kids master the fundamentals of swimming, cycling, running, and triathlon racing, as well as the essentials of proper nutrition, stretching, strength-training, and flexibility. The program is entirely monitored by experienced and trained coaches, providing kids with safe and age-appropriate training over the 6-week period. This year, ten (10) of the 2012 ACHIEVE triathletes-in-training are beginner swimmers and have already made astonishing progress in the pool.  This year’s participants include 17 first-timers and 13 returning athletes.

Each Friday, Waterbury YMCA ACHIEVE Head Coach, Southbury-resident , hands out awards for certain achievements or character traits (e.g. courage, sportsmanship, generosity, compassion, etc) and each athlete receives a copy of the season newsletter which contains highlights from the week’s training. At the end of each week, the kids take home much more than just awards and highlights — they leave with a sense of self and accomplishment for doing something challenging and oftentimes, out of their comfort zones.  Navas is a life and career coach and Ironman triathlon competitor.

“Triathlon is quickly becoming more popular among the general public and I have seen how the sense of accomplishment, the structure training gives your day, and the way the cross-training impacts your body in such a positive way, has transformed lives,” said Coach Navas.  “I’m thrilled to be able to partner with the Greater Waterbury YMCA to bring the ACHIEVE Kids Tri to children who otherwise may not have had the chance to participate in a life-changing experience.”

The ACHIEVE program incorporates training with mentoring, often featuring special guests.  Throughout the summer, the young participants hear from a number of local and regional triathlete superstars, as well as learn about much more than just swimming, biking and running.  ACHIEVE also focuses on building self-confidence and empowerment as a primary developmental asset. Children learn about centered and focused warm ups and create projects that help them learn about themselves and their personal transformations throughout the six weeks.

ACHIEVE is provided free of charge to participants through funding at the YMCA.  Waterbury was the third community in the nation to host this amazing program.  Other states offering ACHIEVE are: Washington, DC, TX, GA, IL.  The Y is getting closer to this year's fundraising goal, which will help compensate the coaches and the cost of transportation out to the race site (this is the only way the participants can practice open water swimming and biking on roads), bathing suits, and any other program expenses.

Donations can be made online at https://www.waterburyymca.org/phpworx/index.php?cmd=submit-donation.

The Greater Waterbury YMCA has a longstanding presence in the greater Waterbury community dating back to 1858. Throughout these years, and most especially today, the Greater Waterbury YMCA serves as a leading social service agency in the city. Together with other community agencies, we collaborate to provide a vast array of programs and services to reach the residents of our nine-town service area, especially targeting those individuals most in need. Together, we address immediate needs and help others achieve independence.
Learn more online at www.waterburyymca.org and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/waterburyymca.