Geelong Multi Sport Festival a Splash of Fun

Geelong Multi Sport Festival a Splash of Fun

Amongst the smorgasbord of events at the second annual Geelong Multi Sport Festival today at Eastern Beach was the Geelong Independent Superkidz Triathlon and the Geelong 1000 Bay Swim.

Support and engagement of the local community was paramount with 200 eager super kids making a splash, ride and run over a specially designed kid’s triathlon course, and each finisher awarded a commemorative medal and t-shirt.

Tony Gaplin, Managing Editor of the Geelong Independent, was rapt to be involved in the community event helping kids become involved in such a fantastic sport.

“The Superkidz Triathlon today was all about children having a go. It was great to see so many smiling faces,” said Mr Gaplin.

Jasmine Happ of the Jan Juc Surf Lifesaving Club could not stop smiling as she waited her turn to jump in with the 7-10 year old girls.

“Usually I have to sit and watch my sister (Kyalla) compete, but now I’m old enough to swim and be involved,” said Jasmine.

Joining Jasmine was another first timer, Alysha, who participated with her dad in the family wave.

 “It was my first triathlon today and I beat dad! I loved the run the best,” said Alysha, who’s dad stood puffing next to her by the refreshment station.

Young Tom also joined his father in the family way.

“I want to run like dad! It’s my favourite part,” said Tom.

Along the sidelines were proud and cheering parents, friends and locals. One lucky local supporting the kids was Colin Anderson who was the winner of the Geelong Independent bike promotion run through the local paper. Colin won a Specialized Tarmac Comp Bike.

“I’m ecstatic! I’ve been dusting off my old pushy, so am really excited to have won today and watching the kids have a go – it really is the best venue,” said Mr Anderson.

The final event of Saturday’s festival events was the Geelong 1000 Bay Swim which offered a different option for those more adept to water than land.

The swim was tackled by people of all ages and abilities in categories from Tadpoles (Under 13) to Pioneers (70+).
We caught up with one enthusiastic local, Peter Byrnes.

“It was fantastic, the water was lovely, a bit like being in the pool – everything was great. I live just up on the hill at Eastern Beach overlooking the course and do a bit of training here.

“We don’t have to worry about waves and there’s no jelly fish, it was really lovely”

Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club members were once again showcasing their water skills, with the winning female, Laura Stekelenburg (pictured) going to head to head in some friendly rivalry against club member Zoe.
 
 “The swim was deceptively easy to begin with, but the last 300m was a challenge! It was a good swim for Geelong!

“I didn’t know where Zoe was, so I put my head down to try and get away from her, but Zoe had a good swim too so well done to her and everyone here today,” said Laura.

Winner of the men’s open category, Michael also had a sprint to the finish line out of the water, just edging out 2nd place.

“I had a good swim, Brad (2nd place) took it out hard and did really well to stay next to me, but I was lucky to pull away. It was my first swim in Geelong; I’m happy with it,” said Michael.

Today’s events have certainly lifted the spirits of the Geelong community, with Steampacket Gardens also hosting a number of FREE community activities with the Youth Skate Competition and FREE clinics, Steampacket Open-Air Cinema tonight at 8:30pm, Petting Zoo, Sport and Lifestyle Expo plus entertainment.