On the back of an historic and hugely successful year for Britain’s athletes at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, British Triathlon has teamed up with YHA to support the delivery of its world class success as well as provide opportunities for more people to get involved in the sport.
YHA is now the nominated accommodation partner for British Triathlon, with YHA’s 160-strong network of properties also to be used to host British Triathlon’s GO TRI events throughout England and Wales, encouraging new communities to take their first steps in the sport in some of the country’s most beautiful settings.
As part of the partnership, British Triathlon and its affiliated clubs will benefit from subsidised use of meeting rooms in Youth Hostels along with heavily discounted YHA membership, accommodation and related products and services.
At its core, the YHA/British Triathlon partnership aims to inspire young people and their families to participate in sport and get active outdoors. Both parties are committed to enabling children to become more active, not only improving their health, but also developing social skills, increasing self-esteem and nurturing good habits such as commitment, discipline and respect.
The primary vehicle for encouraging participation will be British Triathlon’s GO TRI programme, designed as a low-cost, enjoyable way to access triathlon and multipsort for the first time. Both GO TRI training and events are available locally and are tailored towards complete novices, with low-cost entry and manageable distances.
Already a number of GO TRI events have been held at YHA sites in the Lake District and Liverpool city centre, with a further 20 events planned at YHAs throughout 2017. Details on how to get involved are available here.
British Triathlon will also be using YHA’s sites for its own performance camps and meetings, utilising the surrounding landscapes of rural Youth Hostels to enable its athletes, including Rio 2016 medallists, Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee and Vicky Holland, to combine the required daily training with team meetings.
Commenting on the partnership with British Triathlon, Caroline White, Chief Executive of YHA England and Wales, said: “This is an extremely exciting opportunity for YHA to work with an organisation that can really influence the impact we have on the lives of young people and their families. The partnership will enable more people of all ages, abilities and from all backgrounds to experience an enhanced triathlon experience.”
Jack Buckner, CEO British Triathlon, added: “We believe this partnership will open up many doors for both British Triathlon and YHA. With the support of a fantastic organisation, we will have the ability to grow the sport of triathlon by offering even greater participation opportunities across England and Wales to brand new communities.
“YHA boast venues in some of the country’s most stunning locations and we couldn’t be more excited to begin this journey alongside them.”
Click here to become a member of the British Triathlon Federation.
