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Some people call today’s children the Nintendo Generation because of their affinity for video games and other sit-at-home activities.
Doctors are more likely to call them the Diabetes Generation because that inactivity has caused an increase in obesity, which results in childhood diseases.
The Mighty Kids Triathlon tries its best each summer to curb that and get more than a hundred children moving around in the name of fun and competition.
Going strong since 2011, this annual event will take place on July 12 at the Bayouland YMCA, located at 103 Valhi Blvd. in Houma.
Children ages 3-14 are eligible to compete across five age group categories. Like all triathlons, competitors will swim, bike and run with the distances for each varying by age.
“I thought that if children were introduced into this sport, they may love it,” said event organizer Natalie Lindsay when asked what led to the creation of the event. “From getting to love it, they’ll want to get better, which means they’ll practice and that will just encourage them to get outside and play. They might go run or go ride their bikes. Instead of playing their video games or watching TV, they might want to go for a swim – anything to stay active and healthy.”
At adult levels, a triathlon is a competitive event where participants race for the finish line to try and win a medal, a trophy or even a cash prize.
The Mighty Kids Triathlon will also provide trophies for those who finish at the top of their heats. But winning and competition isn’t what the event is about – it’s all about pride and being able to complete something difficult that you started.
Lindsay said every child who signs up and completes the course will be given a medal, and they’ll all be encouraged throughout the way with the hopes that they learn to love competition and staying active as they compete.
“Every child should be able to experience how awesome it is to do something hard and finish,” Lindsay said. “And know you did your best and just finish, so you can be like ‘Oh my God, that was so hard, but I did it.’ Every child deserves to have that feeling of accomplishment.”
To complete the USA Triathlon-sanctioned course will be just what Lindsay said – an accomplishment.
Even the youngest children competing in the event will have a day of work in store, as they’ll be asked to swim 25 yards, bike 200 meters and run 100 meters to complete the event.
The oldest group has to complete a 200-yard swim, a four-mile bike ride and a two-kilometer run.
“Every child will be allowed to work at his or her own pace,” Lindsay said. “We’re not interested in times or competition. We’re interested in every child getting the opportunity to finish what they started.”
Lindsay said throughout the event’s history, 100-plus children have competed each year.
The Mighty Kids Triathlon wants to keep children active. Taking place on July 12, the event will ask youngsters to swim, bike and run for medal prizes.
