Volunteers that lent a helping hand are second row, Ronald Warren, Teri-Lynn Masters, Doug Wile, Jody Mattie, Troy Bond and Mike Hennessey. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Jody Mattie and Troy Bond, the founders of Go Truro, are partnering with the Triathlon Club preparing to host the first Splash and Dash event at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC).
The two previous annual events were held at the Victoria Park pool during summer months.
Participants will be divided into groups based on age and each group will swim and run a designated distance. Mattie said the objective of Splash and Dash—along with other Go Truro events, is to get families active.
“We expose families to different activities in a fun inclusive atmosphere that’s not focused on competition,” said Mattie.
There are barriers to engaging in physical activity such as—a lack of something to do, accessibility and cost.
“We’re taking down those barriers. We’re creating events that didn’t previously exist in the community. Now people have something they can do as a family,” said Mattie.
Parents are encouraged to help their young children by either swimming along or assisting them with getting out of the pool and on to the track.
Splash and Dash volunteer, Jeff Addison, said he decided not to compete in Sunday’s event because he wants to ensure their first event in the RECC is successful.
“I thought my time was better served helping to facilitate and making sure there’s a safe, well-organized environment,” said Addison.
Angela LaBonte said her family has participated in past Go Truro sporting events. LaBonte and her husband will be volunteering Sunday.
“I have two young kids and it’s so neat to have the whole family there, and most of the time all four of us participate,” said LaBonte.
While LaBonte and her husband volunteer, their two children will swim and dash.
“To cheer each other on in a race, or cheer your siblings on when they’re ahead of you is amazing to see,” said LaBonte.
LaBonte said that Splash and Dash—like all Go Truro events, is about having fun as a family.
Addison said his son, Wesley, competed as the youngest Splash and Dash participant last year when he was two years old. He said his son will be splashing and dashing Sunday and that he’s competitive and excited.
“All of the kids have fun and all of the adults have fun. It’s about getting the kids out and getting the bigger kids out.”
In brief:
Where: Rath Eastlink Community Centre, Truro
When: Sunday, Dec. 15
Registration begins at 2:30 p.m.
The first heat begins at 3:05 p.m.
Cost: $5 for youth, $10 for adults, $15 for a family of three to four, $20 for five or more.
Participants can pay online or with cash.
For additional information: www.gotruro.ca
