Tri Canada Para-Triathlon Updates

Triathlon Canada Backs International Triathlon Union’s “Para-Triathlon for Paralympics Campaign”
December 9, 2010


TORONTO—Triathlon Canada and its team of athletes offered official support to the International Triathlon Union’s bid for inclusion of Para-Triathlon into the Paralympic Summer Games lineup in Rio De Janeiro 2016, the governing body for the sport in Canada announced on Thursday.

Triathlon Canada has joined a star-studded lineup of athletes and organizations backing the bid to encourage the International Paralympic Committee to make a favourable decision for inclusion of Para-Triathlon into the 2016 Games.

“Since making its debut in the Olympic Games in 2000, triathlon has emerged as one of the fastest growing sports at all levels in Canada, and around the world, and there is no question in our mind, the sport should now also be showcased on the world’s biggest stage for Para-sports where it belongs,” said Alan Trivett, executive director, Triathlon Canada. “On behalf of Canada’s entire team of para- and able-bodied athletes, we give the International Triathlon Union our full support.”

A total of eight Canadians were among the 88 athletes, representing 17 countries at the 2010 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary. Athletes competed in one of six categories that make up the Para-Triathlon World Championships including: handcycle; leg impairment above the knee; Les Autre; arm disability; leg impairment below the knee; and visual disability. The sport is rapidly growing with participants doubling since 2009, and now more than 35 nations competing internationally.

For the first time ever, Triathlon Canada held a weeklong training camp in Budapest for its Para-Triathlon squad in 2010 to fully prepare for the World Championships where Canadian athletes captured four medals.

“There is no doubt inclusion into the Paralympic program will be a boost for triathlon’s continued growth around the world,” said Jody Barber, a 2010 Paralympian in cross-country skiing for Canada, who won a bronze medal at the 2010 Para-Triathlon World Championships. “Para-Triathlon is an exciting sport which can be enjoyed by anybody, regardless of their age or disability. I would relish the opportunity to be a part of showcasing this incredible summer sport at the Paralympic level as well.”

The International Paralympic Committee’sdecision is expected on Saturday.

Triathlon Canada is the governing body for triathlon in the country. Recognized as an Olympic medal sport since 2000, Triathlon Canada’s mandate is to promote, foster, organize and develop the sport of triathlon, and its related disciplines, in Canada. For more information on Triathlon Canada, please visit us at www.triathloncanada.com on the Internet.