Triathlon offers the opportunity to develop skills in three different sports that will improve cardiovascular fitness, involve a variety of training activities and build muscular capabilities in a balanced way.
Additionally, triathlon competitions present a significant mental challenge in which to develop a stronger sense of determination and personal willpower.
It recommends training for events such as aquathon (swimming and running) and duathlon (cycling and running) before triathlons so that students can more easily develop the basic skills needed in each of the three disciplines.
'Once they are familiar with the basic skills and have achieved good fitness levels, they can try a triathlon [swim, bike and run]. In particular, children need to have good basic swimming and cycling skills before taking part in a triathlon,' explains Janice Cheung, sports executive at the Hong Kong Triathlon Association.
Tri HK operates a development programme called Triathlon Grass Roots Athlete Development Plan, which is subvented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.