COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Triathlon today introduced the High School Triathlon Program, meant to expand opportunities in the sport for young athletes ages 13-19 and grow triathlon clubs at the high school level. The program includes the inaugural USA Triathlon High School Triathlon National Championships, set for April 22, 2016, in Clemson, South Carolina.
The USA Triathlon High School Triathlon Program will give athletes an age-specific community to pursue their passion for the multisport lifestyle. By taking part in the program, athletes will be encouraged to continue their participation in multisport events specific to the high school age group. This program also is a platform for new athletes to experience multisport for the first time.
"We are thrilled to be able to offer this program for high schools, leveraging the momentum, social energy and infrastructure of both our collegiate club and NCAA programs," said Rob Urbach, USA Triathlon CEO. "The program will provide high school triathletes with team racing opportunities that would not otherwise exist, while helping foster the passion so many young athletes have for the sport."
The 2016 High School Triathlon National Championships will take place at Campus Beach in Clemson, South Carolina, on April 22 as part of the Collegiate Club National Championships weekend. The event will feature a non-drafting sprint triathlon, covering a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike and 5-kilometer run course. Competitors must have a USA Triathlon annual membership and provide proof of high school enrollment. Athletes are also encouraged to send their results from at least one USA Triathlon Sanctioned Event within the last 12 months to HighSchool@USATriathlon.org one week prior to the championship event.
Registration for the High School Triathlon National Championships, as well as the Collegiate Club National Championships, is open now at Active.com.
The High School Triathlon Program recognizes two club structures: region-based clubs and independent high school clubs. Region-based clubs consist of high school-aged members from multiple schools in the same region. Independent high school clubs consist of high school-aged athletes from one high school. Athletes not affiliated with a high school club will be eligible to participate in the program but are encouraged to recruit fellow high school classmates to start a USA Triathlon registered club.
Individuals interested in starting a high school triathlon club may sign up for the newsletter at USATriathlon.org or contact HighSchool@USATriathlon.org to receive more information and guidelines for participation in USA Triathlon's High School Triathlon Program.
| About USA Triathlon
USA Triathlon is proud to serve as the National Governing Body for triathlon, as well as duathlon, aquathlon, aquabike, winter triathlon, off-road triathlon and paratriathlon in the United States. Founded in 1982, USA Triathlon sanctions more than 4,300 races and connects with nearly 500,000 members each year, making it the largest multisport organization in the world. In addition to its work with athletes, coaches and race directors on the grassroots level, USA Triathlon provides leadership and support to elite athletes competing at international events, including International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Championships, Pan American Games and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. USA Triathlon is a proud member of the ITU and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC).
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