Hale Y athletes take part in Race4Chase
Youth Triathlon
NEWPORT, R.I. — More than 30 athletes from Hale YMCA awoke before dawn recently to travel to Newport, R.I., to compete in the Race4Chase youth Triathlon with over 230 other children.
These triathletes from the Quiet Corner ranged in age from 5 to 13.
Supported through funding from Jewett City Savings Bank and CMAK – the foundation supporting Race4Chase - these athletes trained for six weeks leading up to the triathlon. Melanie C. and Colby V. received Sportsmanship Awards.
The team from Hale YMCA was comprised of many incredible staff and volunteers, including a Naval Officer, coach Brian’s son, Ian - and were led by Tarin McKinnon, the Aquatics director at Hale YMCA.
The youngest triathletes, 5-8, started at 9 and they were followed by the 9–10-year-olds, and finally the 11–13-year-olds ran down the beach and into the water.
At the transition area up the hill from the beach, athletes from Hale YMCA had quite a pit crew with Coach Kat, Coach Jackie along with R4C alumnus, Amelia D.
Race4Chase was started by Rebecca and Steven Kowalski in honor of their son who enjoyed participating in triathlons, but unfortunately, he was a victim in the Newtown tragedy. They strove to ‘Turn a tragedy into Triump’, and they have succeeded — Race4Chase Triathlon Camp is a free half-day camp - Kids don’t have to be a member of the Hale YMCA to participate – and it’s for athletes aged 6-12. Race4Chase runs for 6 weeks in the summer and concludes with a Youth Triathlon at Fort Adams State Park in Newport.
.