The Bathurst Wallabies Triathlon Club staged their first ever 'tri-ability' event yesterday to get children with a disability involved in the sport.
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A small group of dedicated young athletes took up the challenge of a 25 metre swim, followed by a two kilometre bike ride along Stanley Street and a 500 metre run along the Macquarie River.
Bathurst Wallabies Triathlon Club vice president Luke Patterson said the staging of the event was inspired by his son, Lachlan.
"Danielle and I entered Lachlan in the special event at last year's Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival, and he absolutely loved it," Mr Patterson said.
"We felt there was no reason why we couldn't stage a similar event here, so we approached Jane Crosland [Carenne School principal] and opened the invitation to their students."
Mr Patterson said the club is inclusive of everyone, and launched the 'tri-ability event to promote triathlon as a suitable sport for people of all abilities.
"We provide support for a range of different abilities to ensure everyone can participate and make it through the race," he said.
"It would be great to make this an annual event and we strive to ensure everyone feels included."
The event was held in conjunction with the club's annual Christmas triathlon meet.
Paul Windsor brought his son Malaki along to participate, and said he especially enjoys the swimming component of triathlon.
"Malaki enjoys a good swim, and it's very hard to get him out of the pool," Mr Windsor said.
"The cycling and running sections are new to him, but we'll see how he goes."