Tri out new sports

THE Bassetlaw Games has helped create a brand new sports club in the district.

The campaign to increase sporting participation in Bassetlaw set out with the aim of setting up new organisations and introducing new sports.

And the Bassetlaw Triathlon Club is the first club to be established thanks to Games backing.

A series of six ‘come and try it’ sessions were run at Worksop Leisure Centre in conjunction with British Triathlon, the sport’s UK governing body, proving popular with locals.

And Andrew Thompson, chief coach at Worksop Dolphins Swimming Club, along with Rob Brewin the duty manager at Worksop Leisure Centre, have been the driving force behind the setting up of a new club – on the back of the taster session success.

Seventeen enthusiastic newcomers gave the sport, which involves running, swimming and cycling, a try towards the end of January at a public session, four committee members were found and the club has been registered with Triathlon England.

Andrew wants to build on the club’s early momentum.

He told the Guardian: “We have had a great response to the taster sessions and I’d like to encourage anybody who is interested in Triathlon, regardless of age or ability, to come down to Worksop Leisure Centre and give it a go.”

“The hardest thing for any Tri Club is to secure pool time and we are extremely grateful for the fantastic support provided by BPL who have given us 90 minutes on a Saturday morning.”

“We will now look to work with other clubs to bring in the right experience and coaches.”

The next step for Bassetlaw Tri Club is to forge links with other clubs in the associated disciplines of running and cycling.

Support has already been offered from the Worksop Harriers and Retford Wheelers Cycling Club.

Tony Wright of Bassetlaw Council’s sports development team is delighted to see a new club arise from the Bassetlaw Games initiative. He said: “Bassetlaw Games and the opportunities linked to this expansive project are beginning to be delivered to the benefit of Bassetlaw residents.”

“To have a brand new sports club being developed and at such a rapid pace is extremely pleasing to see.”

“The Sports Development service, in conjunction with Triathlon England, are proud to be associated with Bassetlaw Tri Club and will continue to support it’s development wherever possible.”

Sessions are held at Worksop Leisure Centre on Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 10am, with swimming coaching provided, and the club is open to anyone.

Related topics: