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10/2/09
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Jon’s competition bid to get PE teachers interested in triathlon By Lyndsey Smith A TRIATHLON development manager is hoping to launch a school’s competition to get PE teachers more interested in the sport. Jon Train, the regional development manager for London, said triathlon has found it hard to get onto the school agenda because some PE teachers think it is too hard and already have crowded timetables. He said: “We hold a London series of children’s events through our community clubs but it would be great if we could begin to establish some kind of school competition as well. “I can understand the time issue and we as a minority sport will always be out muscled by the bigger governing bodies – I mean no school will have any trouble filling a football team. “However the perception it is too hard is unfair. I am sure most schools teach cycling, running and
swimming separately so what is the difference in putting them together? “The distances for the kids are very doable – 12-year-olds have to swim 200m, cycle 6k and run 2k – they are not unrealistic.” Jon said Sport England funding had allowed more access to schools and there has been a growth in interest for the sport in kids between eight and 13 years old. He added: “We are trying to see a way forward and I think the key is to establishing good working relationships with PDMs utilising the more enthusiastic and proactive ones. “This is a great event for kids to take part in. “As well as keeping them physically active it also appeals to those who may not be into kicking a ball about and it can help confidence by taking away the embarrassment factor – if you come last in one event it doesn’t necessarily mean you will overall.”
Project boost for young disabled A PROJECT in London is aiming to provide children and young people with Down’s Syndrome the same benefits of being on a team as their able-bodied peers. DS Active has been running a weekly football scheme – the DS Tiger Cubs – for ages five to 25, to improve overall physical, social and emotional health. Anthony Doherty, football co-ordinator for people with disabilities, said: “While participants are learning physical skills, they are simultaneously increasing their own social and emotional abilities. “This will be one of the few times other than school where youngsters are interacting with adults other than their parents, and other people with DS. “Having the ability to train and play at a similar level increases their ability to reap all of the potential benefits, and this project aims to create a multi-tier learning environment.”
Jon Train