Cash prizes for schools will be on offer as TMR, the organisers of one of the island’s leading triathlon events, try to encourage Bermuda’s youth to sign up and take part.

The twelfth TMR Sprint Triathlon will take place on Sunday, September 30, starting at Albuoy’s Point, and TMR would like to see a big increase in the numbers of young people competing.

It is also a great practice for the WTS Kids Duathlon in April next year.

Kathleen Faries, TMR’s head of the Bermuda branch, said that in an age of smart phones, it was important to encourage young people to engage in other activities, especially sport.

“As well as the full triathlon, we have a Try-a-Tri which anyone can take part in and complete,” she said.

“We have this category to give people a taste for triathlons, and to let them see it is not that hard, in the hope of encouraging them to do more.

“TMR believes very strongly in supporting Bermuda’s athletes as we want them to be successful and inspire the next generation of competitive athletes. TMR believes in the benefits of an active, healthy, lifestyle.”

The event includes a School Challenge with cash prizes for the first, second and third-placed school teams.

“We are hoping that this will continue to encourage schools to organise teams to take part as in prior years,” said Martin Bolton, TMR’s race director and organiser of this years’ event.

“This is an important event and one that is now very established on the athletic calendar. I am sure there will be a great turn out.”

The senior individual and team races start at 8am, with the Try-a-Tri at 8.05am.

The junior race starts at 10am, with the School Challenge Duathlon and Triathlon at 10.45am.

For more information e-mail triathlon@tokiomillenniumre.com and to register visit www.racedayworld.com