Triathlon Alberta Launches Innovative School Programs at the Newly Opened Coronation Sports and Recreation Centre
Triathlon Alberta is making waves with its revitalized school programs, taking full advantage of the newly opened Coronation Sports and Recreation Centre. The state-of-the-art facility has provided a brand-new home for the organization’s school program, and we are already seeing massive success with local students.
Triathlon Alberta recently welcomed its first two schools to the new centre, putting 110 students through an engaging, reimagined version of the sport. Designed to give students in grades three through twelve a taste of multisport competition. The program’s goal is to spark a long-term interest in triathlon while giving schools the opportunity to offer fresh, exciting physical education experiences.
To keep the energy high and the logistics smooth, Triathlon Alberta has introduced a new format: the "Staged Triathlon" (or "Staged Aquathlon"). This format consists of tackling each leg of the event 10 minutes at a time and covering as much distance as possible in 10 minutes.
Swim: The swim takes place in a 50m lane in the new aquatic centre, where students swim as many laps as possible within the 10-minute window.
Bike: The bike utilizes the facility's spin bikes, maintaining the 10-minute maximum effort format.
Run: The run takes place on Coronation's new 333m indoor running track, where students log as many laps as they can before time is called.
To celebrate their hard work and achievement, every participating student receives a finisher ribbon at the end of the event.
While the Coronation Sports and Recreation Centre serves as a premier hub, Triathlon Alberta remains committed to accessibility. We are continuing to offer the school program as a mobile program, bringing a customizable mini-event directly to schools or their closest local recreation centres.
These mobile events can be tailored to fit the resources and space available, with formats including:
Triathlons (Swim-Bike-Run)
Aquathlons (Swim-Run)
Duathlons (Bike-Run)
Modified Events (using equipment like floor scooters to replace bikes)
To further reduce barriers to entry, Triathlon Alberta can provide a variety of bikes suitable for students in grades three to seven for these remote events.
"Since inception, this program has been transformative for the youth side of our sport by introducing thousands of kids to our sport over the last year," says Sebastian Porten, Executive Director of Triathlon Alberta.
Educators and school administrators interested in giving their students a taste of the triathlon experience, either at the new Coronation Sports and Recreation Centre or right in their own gym, are encouraged to reach out to book a session.
For more information, contact Triathlon Alberta at schools@triathlonalberta.ca.