If you’ve run out of ideas to entertain your kids, why not get them involved in something that is both healthy and a great way to meet friends from Malaysia and all over the world? Most sports enthusiasts have watched in awe as triathletes compete in the sports of swimming, running and cycling and wondered how on earth they are able to keep up their energy levels.

Triathlons aren’t just for the super fit. I learned this when my daughter Zoe became involved in Trikidz, a local Malaysian outfit that’s trying to get more kids involved in these three healthy sports.

Trikidz is a small but growing enterprise that’s the brainchild of four very passionate triathletes who are intent on spreading their love for triathlons. They believe in helping children discover a hobby that could become a lifetime interest. Their mission is to make triathlons a fun and accessible sport for everybody but especially kids. Building the foundations for a lifelong fitness regime for children is their long-term goal. Trikidz offers three disciplines swimming, biking and running which are inter-changed depending on the race terrain and venue.

Coach Azwar from Trikidz has found that expat kids tend to have parents who are more active and therefore more exposed to triathlons which are well-known internationally. Hence, they have seen a lot of expat kids getting involved in their activities such as training and running.

Trikidz events are usually a weekend affair with a Saturday clinic where professional coaches teach and impart their technical know-how to the kids. This is followed on Sunday by an actual race where the kids put into practice what they’ve learned at Saturday’s clinic.

However, Trikidz offers supplementary clinics over and beyond the Saturday clinics. Currently, they conduct running classes every Saturday and Sunday at 5pm at Kampung Pandan Sports Complex near the city centre. There’s a minimal charge for these training sessions which are ideal for those kids interested in competitive running. The training programme is tuned for upcoming triathlons and road running races where the kids represent Team Trikidz.

Safety is taken seriously and this is why swimming is restricted to swimming pools and races to race tracks. Sufficient coaches and marshals (who are triathletes themselves) are on standby to ensure that a child in aid is spotted and rescued if required. Paramedics are also on hand and children are taught to rehydrate themselves constantly.

The basic requirements for each sporting disciple are swim suit and cap (kickboards and floaties are permitted for beginners during clinics and races), a basic bicycle is adequate for cycling (trainer wheels are permitted for beginners) and a proper pair of running shoes.

Trikidz welcomes all children from countries and the races are open to children aged from 7-15. Trikidz is currently on a quest to seek out new locations for triathlons, duathlons (running and biking) and biathlons (swimming and running). Team Trikidz competes in various events throughout the city and country as well as conducting its own activities so check out their website for their next event. There are absolutely no barriers to being part of this fun and healthy sport – so what are you waiting for?

Multisports activities are becoming more popular in most of KL’s international schools too so children can also make enquiries here.

Contact: Trikidz (www.trikidz.com.my)

Source: The Expat January 2011

Get your free print subscription and free delivery 

This article has been edited for ExpatGoMalaysia.com