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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSD-01-01 '-- ,.... THE CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON REPORT Meeting: General Purpose and Administration Committee File# 11~ . Date: September 4,2001 Res. #~Y)Z--o f Report #: CSD-01-01 By-law # Subject: KIDS OF STEEL Recommendations: It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee recommend to Council the following: 1. THAT Report No. CSD-01-01 be received for information. 1.0 RACKGROllNO: 1.1 Over the past seven years, the Municipality of Clarington has hosted the Kids of Steel Triathlon event, which is governed by the Ontario Association of Triathletes. The mandate of the Ontario Association of Triathletes is to encourage participation in multi-sports events, to ensure safety and fair competition, and to assist, support and promote Ontario Athletes from the grass roots level to the elite. 1.2 Kids of Steel is a multi-sport event designed to offer youth and children from 7 - 18 years of age an opportunity to participate in a triathlon (swimming, biking, running). The triathlon was centered around the Courtice Community Complex with use of the swimming pool for the swim component and the parking lot as a transition area for changeover from the swim, bike and the run portion. Courtice Road North to Nash Road and East on Nash Road were used as the bike and run outcourse of the race. In 1995, when the Municipality of Clarington held it's first triathlon, it was one of fifteen (15) races registered in a series throughout Ontario. This year Clarington's race, which attracted 210 young athletes, was one of seventeen races held in Ontario. 1.3 In recent years, the number of triathlons held in Ontario began to diminish and only seven races were held during the summer of 2000. At the 2000 Olympics, in Sydney, Australia, Simon Whitfield's Gold Medal performance for Canada served notice to the world that triathlon had arrived. As Simon Whitfield developed as a triathlete through the Kids of Steel Triathlon series, many young athletes sparked a renewed interest. 801 REPORT NO.: CSD-01-01 PAGE 2 1.4 The success of the 2001 event was directly related to the following: a dedicated team of volunteers consisting of Municipality of Clarington employees and residents of the community; a challenging, but safe course; Municipal and Regional support regarding road closure, event setup and access to both facilities and equipment were also crucial. 1.5 There was additional support from local merchants in the area of sponsorship in the way of gifts in kind for draw prizes. 1.6 The overall feedback from competitors, volunteers, spectators and local residents was extremely positive. The Ontario Association of Triathletes recognizes the Municipality of Clarington Kids of Steel as being one the best organized events in the series. 2.0 COTTRTWF. COMMlJNTTV COMPT,F.X HTI,AOQlJARTF-RS 2.1 The race headquarters, located at the Courtice Community Complex, provided direct access from Highway 401 and excellent exposure for our facility in Courtice. The Courtice Community Complex created an excellent transition area in the parking lot and the hall served well as the meeting area. 2.2 The weather was excellent for the triathlon and allowed spectators to enjoy the race from the grass areas of the Complex and also allowed for an outdoor presentation of awards. 3.0 THE EVENT The highlights included: A 25 metre pool setting for the swim, bike course on a closed paved road with climbing roads, race kits with sponsor gift donation, promotional material, event T-shirts, event bathing cap and after race meal of pizza and pop. This year we also received complimentary bagels from the Great Canadian Bagel and coffee from Williams Coffee Pub. 4.0 THF ROUTE Careful consideration was given to ensure a safe, competitive but fun course. Volunteers and event officials were stationed along the course to ensure the safety and proper direction of all participants. 4.2 The Courtice Community Complex pool is 25 metres which allowed 12 participants per heat (two in each lane), with two minutes between each heat and a fifteen minute stagger between each age group. This system allowed for safety of all participants. The bike and run course consisted of various distances starting and finishing at the Courtice Community Complex. The distances varied depending on the age of the athlete. 802 , ~ REPORT NO.: CSD-01-01 PAGE 3 5.0 AWARDS 5.1 The Association of Triathletes continues to receive support and sponsorship for the second year from the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction. This year Timex also supported the event and shared in providing medallions at the finish line. Ten, (10) Timex IronKid Triathlon watches were also provided to distribute in a randomly picked draw at the end of the race. 5.2 Each participant who crossed the finish line was presented with a certificate of participation and a Canadian Institute of Steel Constructionffimex IronKids Medallion. After the last competitor crossed the finish line, special awards to the top three (3) participants of each age group were presented with plaques from the Municipality of Clarington Triathlon Series. 6.0 CONCLUSION" This year's triathlon, again was a tremendous success, attracting 210 participants, which is an increase of 34% over numbers participating in the year 2000. Clarington's race continues to be of popularity due to its dynamic Community support, dedicated staff and volunteers and the organization of a challenging and safe course. Respectfully submitted, Reviewed by, /'! . ! J ~~~G5tt J P. Caruana i~ ctor of Community Services ( Franklin Wu, M.C.I.P., RP.P. Chief Administrative Officer 803