Washington Twp. Parks To Host Unique Sporting Event

The Washington Township Parks biathlon event will take place at the lower park, surrounding the pond and pavilion.

By: Melissa Gibson

Ever dream about being an Olympic athlete? Washington Township Parks will give would-be Olympians a taste of what it would feel like to compete in a biathlon.

Biathlons date back to the 18th century in Scandinavia.

Quickly gaining popularity with an annual Norwegian competition and the first appearance at Winter Olympics in 1924, the long-running competitive sport eventually created a women’s event in the 1992 Olympics and additional events were added for men and women in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. What is a Biathlon? Biathlon competions are typically ran in downhill or cross-country skiing, with range shooting intermittently. Not only do competitors have to be excellent on a pair of skis, traveling approximately 12 miles for men and 10 miles for women, they also have to be excellent marksmen, carrying 20 rounds of ammunition for four firing sessions.

Rifle shooting will be done with paintball guns in this Shooting version of is a done biathlon. prone (laying down) and standing. Any missed shots get a penalty and could cost you the medal.

If the competitive side of you is itching to get involved or learn more, Washington Township’s Avon Park is offering their first-ever Indiana version of the Biathlon.

Competitors will meet at the lower park near the pavilion, run, jog or walk a half mile before stopping for some paintball target practice.

Total running is 2.5 miles with four shooting range stops. You must hit all your targets, twice prone and twice standing before continuing to the next half- mile loop. It may be more difficult than you think. Recreation Coordinator Trilby Berry-Tayman has had the idea for a biathlon in the back of her mind for several years. A fun idea, but how to make it suitable for families and of course, not on skis?

“I just think it’s the coolest thing,” Berry-Tayman said. “These guys run and then have to slow their heartbeats down in order to shoot the target.”

Berry-Tayman

Eventually, it came to her – a combination of running and paintball target practice makes the event fun and a challenge for all involved.

“The whole idea is [during the pandemic], people are motivated to do something and try something new,” she added. “It’s just for fun and the sport just fascinates me.”

The cost is $10 to participate. Minimum age is 14 and there will be three people competing at a time, with a semi-final and final round. Register on the park website.

The team at the Washington Township Parks and Recreation Department have been actively brainstorming ideas to get residents outside, in the fresh air and safe while they do it.

“Especially through this winter season, we’re making a concentrated effort to help our community and help each other have hope,” Berry-Tayman said. “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel and we need to continue to be safe.”

Through the end of February, try your hand at curling. Another take on a unique sport – the Avon version is on a synthetic ice rink with a stone and bearings on the bottom. Hit the circle and gain points.

Parking Lot Bingo is 4 to 6 p.m. March 13. Stay in your car and play Bingo the old-fashioned way to win prizes.

There will also be a drive-in movie towards the end of April.

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Visit http://www.washingtontwpparks. org/ for updated information on these events and details about upcoming events.