1st Of October by Sam Torr

Pupils and staff from 12 Denbighshire schools 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, Hope House Hospice, Action for Children and RNLI.

The day consisted of three competitions - the elite athletes - 12 children did 3 disciplines, swimming, cycling and running; a children’s relay event where one to swims, one cycles and one runs. Following the children were the teachers, where five schools had teachers taking part in the relay triathlon, with stiff competition.

The Rhyl and Rhuddlan Learning Community Triathlon event was sponsored by P&A Fencing & Timber Buildings, who donated the medals (one for every competitor) along with refreshments. Boyns.net, who also sponsored the event alongside P&A got on his wetsuit and swam with the children along with the support team from RNLI.

Nikki Booth, Action for Children’s fundraiser in North Wales, was also there on the day showing her support and representing Action for Children.

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.

Five-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 five years, raising money for a variety of charities.

The Mayor of Rhyl, Cllr Win Mullen-James, presented medals to the children and teachers and congratulated them on their success.