WESTPORT WESTON FAMILY YMCA CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF RACE4CHASE TRIATHLON PROGRAM AT GRAND FINALE
The Westport Weston Family YMCA celebrated a triumphant end to its Race4Chase Triathlon Summer Camp Program on August 3, 2024, at YMCA Camp Sloper in Southington, CT. This year’s event brought together over 600 young athletes from across Connecticut, marking the conclusion of an inspiring 6-week training journey designed to enhance their skills in swimming, biking, and running. The Race4Chase Triathlon, which honors the life of Chase Michael Anthony Kowalski, featured a significant turnout, underscoring its growing popularity and the program’s impact on the community.
Chase, a first-grader who tragically lost his life in 2012 in Sandy Hook, was a passionate triathlete who won the first youth triathlon he ever attempted. His love for the sport continues to inspire this youth triathlon training program, which focuses on providing kids with a safe, healthy, and non-competitive environment to discover the sport. Participants in this program not only strengthen their skills in swimming, biking, and running but also engage in team-building games, learn about nutrition, and build a healthy lifestyle.
This year’s Race4Chase Triathlon featured 21 participants from the Race4Chase Summer Camp at the Westport Weston Family YMCA, aged 6 to 12, who embraced a rigorous training regimen in preparation for the USAT-sanctioned triathlon race. The summer camp program, which offers a free, intensive training experience, saw an impressive return rate of 60% from last year’s participants, alongside a wave of new faces inspired by previous triathletes.
“I think the participants take away a sense of pride in having done an extreme sport,” said Robin Myers, Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Race4Chase Training Coach. “Not everyone can swim, bike, and run at the same time in one event, and it takes a special kind of person to be able to do that. By the time we are six weeks down the track and they do the event, they are very well prepared to take on this extreme sport.”
The Race4Chase Triathlon is not just about competition; it’s about personal growth, perseverance, and having fun. The excitement and enthusiasm from the young athletes crossing the finish line with pride are incredibly rewarding. We are thrilled with the success of this year’s program and the positive impact it has had on our community.
Participants and their families expressed their delight with the outcomes. One parent remarked, “My kids’ swimming ability has improved vastly since training for Race4Chase!” Another added, “This is great discipline for getting my kid to be a better athlete in the future!”
The enthusiasm for the program was palpable, with many voices echoing the same sentiment: “I want to do this again next year!” The positive feedback highlights the program’s success in fostering not just athletic skills but also confidence and perseverance.
Check out this video by NBC Connecticut:
The Westport Weston Family YMCA extends heartfelt thanks to all participants, volunteers, and supporters who made this year’s Race4Chase Triathlon a resounding success. Plans are already underway for next year’s program, promising even more opportunities for young athletes to challenge themselves and grow.
For more information about the Race4Chase Triathlon Program, please visit westporty.org/r4c.
