14th Of October by Sam Torr

Pupils and staff from seven Denbighshire schools including the winning team, Rhyl High School competed in the annual community of schools triathlon to raise money for charity.


The event took place at the Rhyl Marina Harbour last Friday with each school collecting sponsorships to help raise money towards three chosen charities, Meningitis Now, Nepal and St John’s Ambulance.

The Triathlon event was sponsored by P&A Fencing & Timber Buildings who donated pizzas and cakes as well as medals and trophies which were also donated alongside fellow sponsor, Boyns.net.

Both companies also donated a prize for the most inspiring success story to come from the Triathlon, with Ysgol Llywelyn in Rhyl being the winning school receiving a £250 P&A voucher and a Garmin watch.  

Steve Morgan, P&A’s Managing Director and John Vaughan, Fencing & Timber Buildings Technical Manager, along with, Rob Boyns from Boyns.net, inspired local school children to take on their own sporting challenges and raise money for charity.

It began when Steve, John and Rob inspired Rhyl Schools, known as the Rhyl Community of Schools, by going along to talk to the children about their Ironman Triathlon challenges and about how important it is to support the community as well as have a healthy approach to life.

Three-time Ironman John Vaughan said:

“We’re always delighted to be a part of the Rhyl Community of Schools Triathlon. It’s always fantastic to see the children getting involved in sport and enjoying themselves. It’s a great way to bring the community together whilst also raising money for such amazing causes.”

Numerous Schools in Denbighshire have taken part over the last three years, raising money for a variety of charities.

 

Welsh Triathlon Academy Coach, Royden Healy has been heavily involved with the Triathlon since is first began back in 2014. He said:

“It’s an absolutely brilliant event, this is the 3rd year now, and it just keeps getting bigger. I think what’s great is that we’re getting children involved from the local community that maybe don’t get the opportunity to take part in events like this. But it’s also great seeing the teachers taking part, giving the kids something to aspire to as well.

It’s a fantastic event, great for health, fitness and wellbeing and I can’t wait until next year.”