The third Scilly Kids Triathlon has been hailed a roaring success, with half the islands’ primary school children taking part in the event.
In beautiful sunshine on the Garrison, 57 children from all five of the inhabited islands were awarded medals, t-shirts and ice cream for completing the triathlon earlier this month.
The event was sponsored by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Group’s Community Fund, and the medals were presented by Fund Chairman Sam Hicks.
“It can be difficult for the islands’ children to take part in sporting competitions without travelling away – it’s just the nature of where we live,” said Steven Gibson, one of the triathlon organisers.
“We wanted to give them an opportunity to try something without having to leave Scilly. It gives the younger children a taster and keeps them active. We’re in the third year now, and we really hope it will become an annual event.”
The triathlon was split into three age groups, with children swimming lengths of the pool at Star Castle Hotel, cycling around the Garrison playing field and then running around the track.
The £850 donated by the Community Fund was used to pay for the medals, t-shirts, drink and insuring the event.
Steven said: “The children were chuffed to bits with their t-shirts and have been wearing them proudly since. It added a lot to the event and we were both delighted and surprised to be awarded the money from the Steamship Group. We’d like to say a very big thank you.”
The Community Fund, which was launched in 2016, has given away £30,000 to 31 different projects and good causes ranging from £2,000 towards a community observatory on St Martins to £1,000 to the Scillonian Sailing Club for a rescue boat engine.
Entries are now being accepted for the first round of funding in this financial year, with a deadline for entries set as August 13.
Bids to the fund are open to voluntary groups or charities, schools and education establishments, community clubs or societies, and individuals undertaking not-for-profit projects for the benefit of the wider community.
Full details, eligibility criteria and application forms are now available from the Steamship Group’s website. All projects are judged by members of an independent panel.