Linsford Park School celebrates good sportsmanship and community spirit during exciting duathlon event hosted with Triathlon Alberta

The entire Linsford Park School and community is celebrating athleticism, good sportsmanship and the strength of community after an exciting duathlon event at the school, run in partnership with Triathlon Alberta.

“This is one of the most epic events we have ever hosted,” says Linsford Park Principal, Kathy Kloschinsky. “It is a rare and special opportunity to partner with the Triathlon Alberta organization, and we are grateful for that partnership.”

Also, what made the event special, according to Kloschinsky, was that every student and staff member in the entire school participated, as well as parent and community volunteers. “All of these partnerships came together for one day, and that was magic!” she says.

The school had originally planned to host a triathlon event with swimming, biking and running events. However, due to weather conditions, there was a pool closure. Despite this change in plans, the principal says participating students demonstrated enthusiasm, determination, and perseverance throughout the day.

Volunteers from Triathlon Alberta supported the event by setting up the course and providing equipment for the athletes, including bikes and helmets, as well as guiding participants with  instructional information. All participating students received ribbons to celebrate their efforts.

About 60 Grades 3 to 6 students chose to participate in the biking and running parts of the duathlon, while other Grade 3 to 6 students, and students in K to 2, chose to show their school spirit, cheering on their peers from the sidelines. Race observers held handmade signs, ran alongside racers on the course, and shouted words of encouragement.

“There was excitement, and good sportsmanship everywhere,” says Kloschinsky.

At the end of the day, all Linsford Park students got the chance to take part in a ‘fun run’ event, bringing the all students together in a final celebration of physical activity and school spirit.

“We adapted the day and events so that every student who wanted to participate could,” says Kloschinsky. “Because students raced individually, success was measured by finishing the course. The amazing part of the day was that in helping individuals succeed - we came together as a team and community. It was thrilling to watch and be a part of. It was one of our greatest successes of the entire school year.”