March 26, 2009

Charlotte, NC--  Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation is now taking registrations for the 12th annual “Rodney's Great Kids Triathlon” on Saturday April 18, 2009 at the Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, 800 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard.  Competition begins at 8:30am.

Last year more than 200 youngsters participated, both boys and girls. Organizer Rodney Sellars observes that, “Lots of kids can run or bike or swim well, but this event is designed so they have to do all three. It's great fun and helps foster youth fitness!

Advance registration runs through April 10 and costs $20.  Later registrations, up to and including on event morning starting at 7:30am, cost $25.  To register check www.parkandrec.com , click on Aquatics, then “Rodney’s Great Kids Triathlon” in the left column. For more information call 311.

The triathlon is held in the Aquatic Center’s pool and on streets outside.  Competition in swimming, biking, and running stretches over a course with age-appropriate distances.  Separate competitions are held for boys and girls in age categories 8 and younger, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17.

This event is named for Rodney Sellars, who has worked at the Aquatic Center as a supervisor since it first opened. Rodney began this event 12 years ago as a way to get kids involved in fun and healthy activity. Two years ago, Rodney was named Mecklenburg County Employee of the Year, in part because of the popularity of this event. Rodney has also taught thousands of youngsters to swim!