The eleventh Tokio Millennium Re Sprint triathlon and Duathlon will take place on Sunday, September 24 on Front Street, with all prize money being donated to the Bermuda Paralympic Association in lieu of trophies.

It is a gesture that has not gone unnoticed by Paralympian Jessica Lewis, who yesterday praised the efforts to assist the BPA.

“Tokio Millennium Re has been an amazing support to me for the last few years and to have that support branch out to the Bermuda Paralympic Association is incredible,” Lewis said.

“It will help many other differently able individuals in our community to have the opportunities to fulfil their dreams in para-sport.”

Athletes of all ages and abilities are being urged to sign up for one of the island’s top triathlon events, this year marking seven years that it has been held in Hamilton.

Kathleen Faries, head of Bermuda at Tokio Millennium Re, said the donation was fitting given the company’s support of Lewis as well as WindReach and Boccia Bermuda (www.bocciabermuda.com).

“As a company, we have placed considerable emphasis on supporting sport and the island’s athletes and we have been delighted to help incredible people like Jessica, who is an inspiration to us all,” Faries said.

“The triathlon is one of many events that we organise as part of our commitment to encourage everyone, regardless of age or ability, to take part in healthy activities.

So I would encourage everyone to come to this event either to participate or to cheer on those taking on this challenge.”

Competition will be based along Front Street and East Broadway, with the swimming being held on a triangle course off Albuoy’s Point. The first races, the junior duathlon for 7-10 and 11-14 year olds, will start at 8am. There will also be Middle and Senior School triathlon and duathlon challenges, starting at 8.45, before a senior Try-a-Tri and individual and team triathlons start at 9 and 10am.

The senior triathlon will involve a 750-metre swim, a 20k cycle (five laps along Front Street) and a 5k (5 laps) run on Front Street.