The Development Fund aims to assist new clubs with essential start up costs and also to support existing clubs with participation initiatives. Dungarvan Tried and Tested Triathlon Club availed of the Development fund to set up a new adult Triathlon Club in Dungarvan which should prove very popular, considering the high participation rates in cycling and running in the Dungarvan area.
Dave Campbell, Club Chairman explains how the club got started, ‘A small group of us started the club in April 2012. We enjoy swimming, cycling, running and have competed in Duathlons, Triathlons and many local events (Winter League, Sean Kelly, Ger Wyley Summer Series etc). Over the past few years we have competed in a number of tri events and enjoyed both the event and the social side of the sport. We decided we should form a club and organise our training in a more structured way, which would help to encourage others to get involved also. We have swim training sessions in Clonea Leisure Centre with club member and swim coach Natalie Shaw-Hamilton from October to May and start sea swimming from April/ May onwards. Cycle and run sessions are organised in small groups.’
Michele Durand, Club PRO said, ‘I had watched my husband and friends compete in triathlons over the past few years, never imagining I would do one myself! With encouragement, training and particularly the club’s weekly swim sessions, I have participated in two triathlons already this year, in Valentia Is, Co Kerry and Schull, Co Cork. It’s great fun and there is a wonderful camaraderie among participants and spectators alike. I hope to do the “Mint” Women’s only Triathlon in Dunmore East on Sept 1st’. Bryan Hallissey, Tried and Tested Club member said ‘After competing in a few Duathlons I was interested in doing a Triathlon but I was not a good swimmer and I would not have been confident swimming 750m in open water to complete a Sprint Triathlon. I have completed two sprint triathlons this year and hope to compete in an Olympic distance event this year also.’
The Club are very keen for new members to join. Anyone interested can contact them at triedandtested@live.ie or via facebook/TriedTestedDungarvan
CRITERIA & APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE COACHING & DEVELOPMENT FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD FROM THE FUNDING SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE www.waterfordsportspartnership.ie
Or you can contact our offices for further information on (058) 21191 or (051) 849855
