HPE Annual Triathlon
Hello Highland Park Huskies!
On Friday, June 5th, all classrooms with grade 4’s and 5's at HPE will be taking part in the 31st annual Highland Park Triathlon. The triathlon is designed to get students participating in a physically challenging activity at their own ability level. This is not a race, and there is no timing. Everyone is to challenge themselves at their own level and feel a sense of accomplishment. Students choose, ahead of time, the level at which they wish to participate; Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Iron Kid. The standards required in which to achieve these goals have been carefully explained to the students.
Students will be required to bring their bikes and helmets to school on Wednesday, June 3rd. Please find parking to help your child with their bike as the kiss and ride lane is meant for quick drop off and pick up. Bring this equipment to school early allows a few days for bike training to ensure that the students are ready for the big day. The students will learn the triathlon route so they are confident when they begin the event. It is important that the helmet fits well, and that the bike is in good working order. When your child brings their bike to school, they may bring it down to the gym where it will be placed in a row next to their division number. The gym will be opened on June 3rd beginning at 7:30 a.m. During the days leading up to the event, the bikes will be secured in the gym each evening. Bikes will need to be picked up at the completion of the event on June 5th.
On the day of the event, please send your child to school wearing good running shoes tied properly, and suitable clothing to participate in a running event. A hat is also a good idea if the day is sunny. Their swimming suit and a towel should be brought in a separate bag that is clearly marked with their name. After swimming all the bags are placed in a bin and driven back to the school, so the swim bag must be clearly marked to ensure it is returned to your child.
When the triathlon begins, students will walk with their class over to the pool, dropping their bikes off at the IPE grounds along the way. They will complete their swim, change into their cycling/running clothes, and walk to the IPE grounds. There they will complete the cycling portion of the triathlon. When done, they will walk their bikes back to the school, and begin the final leg, which is running. After their laps are complete, they will run triumphantly across the magnificent Highland Park finish line amongst the cheers of all their friends and family.
In order for this event to run smoothly, we require a significant number of approved volunteers. If you have not already signed up to volunteer, and you are available, please call the office to talk with Mr. Byrnes.
Thank you Highland Park staff and parent volunteers for helping make this tradition a reality year after year. 31 years!
