Calling all AMAZINGLY ABLED kids!
I CAN TRI
10/23/21
Registration check-in opens @ 9:00am, Race starts @ 10:00am
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The Therapy & Learning Center’s 5th Annual I CAN TRI triathlon is a fun event for any child ages 5-16, as well as adults in our TLC Adult Day Services Program, that would like to try a beginner or moderate triathlon consisting of swimming, biking and running/walking. We invite children of ALL abilities to participate as we can adapt each category to fit each child's specific needs. I CAN TRI triathlon also is a special event encouraging all children in our community to try this event while supporting and participating right along side our TLC kids. We love the inclusion aspect of children with special needs and disabilities competing in the same race alongside of their typical peers.
We have designed 3 levels for this race - APEX, ABLE, & ADULT races. The APEX distances are a bit longer whereas the ABLE is a shorter race geared toward children who may need a “buddy” or an assist during one or more elements of the race. Our ADULT level TRI is only for those participants in our TLC Adult Day Services program. If you need more detailed information on these levels please see our FAQ section on this website or email ellen.neely@wth.org with any questions.
If a child with special needs participating in I CAN TRI cannot complete in one of the three elements, like swimming, then adaptations will be made for them. TLC will provide a safe, fun way for all children ages 5-16 to try their best at a triathlon. While waiting for your turn to TRI, there will be fun activities for everyone to enjoy. Each participant that registers on or before October 15th will be guaranteed a free race shirt and other free race swag!
The Therapy & Learning Center hosts the I CAN TRI each year because they believe that every child has abilities that deserve to be celebrated! Even though each individual may go about things differently, we believe if we all try our best, we all can succeed. The I CAN TRI welcomes the community to come out and cheer on these incredible tri-athletes as they charge to the finish line on their own 2 feet, in a wheelchair or walker, an adapted device or in their own unique style! This event is sure to add some inspiration to your day on Saturday, October 23rd @ 10:00am!
I CAN TRI APEX (moderate level)– Children will swim 40 m (approx. 50 ft.), bike ¼ mile and a run or walk or roll ¼ mile. This level triathlon is for any child who can swim, bike and run short distances without assistance. Although no “buddies” will be assigned to athletes on this level, the I CAN TRI Apex will still be staffed with lifeguards in the pool as well as trained professionals and volunteers along all the race paths for increased safety and support. We do not recommend children age 6 and under to participate in this level.
I CAN TRI ABLE (easier level) - Children will “swim” 20m (approx. 25 ft.), bike or “ride” 0.10 miles, and “run/roll” 0.10 miles. Each child will be assigned a buddy or buddies who will consist of licensed professionals, several Therapy & Learning Center employees, as well as possibly a “Junior Buddy” to help cheer them and assist in every element of the triathlon to assure your child’s best outcomes. If a child cannot participate in 1 of the 3 elements (like swimming), then we will make adaptations for them, but we would love for them to TRY! Children can use wheelchairs, bikes, wagons, adapted bikes, and other equipment to help them conquer the ABLE race.
I CAN TRI ADULT- Our Therapy & Learning Center adult clients will be participating in the I CAN TRI with TLC staff members acting as buddies to assist them in finishing the course. We are excited to have this wonderful group join us!
Registration fees
ABLE Level TRI Closed
This level triathlon is for children who need moderate assistance and will be given 1-2 buddies to help them conquer the race. If a child cannot participate in 1 of the 3 elements , then we will make adaptations for them. We would love for them to TRY!
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$15.00Sep 7 - Oct 21
ABLE Level TRI Scholarship Closed
For a child needing financial assistance to participate. ABLE triathlon is for kids needing assistance and will be given buddies to help with the race. If a child can’t participate in 1 of the 3 areas, we will make adaptations for them.
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FreeSep 7 - Oct 21
APEX Level TRI Closed
This level triathlon is for children who can swim, bike and run short distances without moderate assistance. For ages 7 to 16. 40 m swim (down and back - approx. 50 ft.), ¼ mile bike, ¼ mile run.
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$15.00Sep 7 - Oct 21
APEX Level TRI Scholarship Closed
This category is for those participants who need financial assistance to participate. This level tri is for children who can swim, bike and run short distances without any assistance. For ages 5 to 16. 40 m swim (approx. 50 ft.), ¼ mile bike, ¼ mile run
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FreeSep 7 - Oct 21
ADULT TRI Closed
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$15.00Sep 7 - Oct 21
ADULT TRI Scholarship Closed
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FreeSep 7 - Oct 21
FAQ - Questions & Answers about the TRI
FAQ:
Hopefully these questions & answers will help you be in the know about the I CAN TRI…
Q: What comes with my child’s race registration?
A: Every child that registers before October 1st will receive a t-shirt, backpack and sports bottle, and finish line medal.
Q: What ages and abilities can register for the race?
A: The I CAN TRI is for all children ages 5-16 and our friends in our TLC Adult Program. As far as abilities, whether you are using your own 2 feet or letting a wheelchair carry you down the race path – we want ALL ABILITIES! We want to do our best to accommodate your child with whatever equipment or assistance needed. Please make sure when you register to give us enough information in the comments sections so that we can be well prepared to make it a great experience for your child. You can always call Ellen Neely @ 731-668-9070 if you have further questions or concerns about your child’s participation in the I CAN TRI.
Q: Is there a GROUP or other types of discounts?
A: No group discount is given. However, if the $15.00 registration fee is not feasible for you to pay at this time, we understand and still want every child to have this opportunity. Just select the Scholarship option when registering and your child’s cost will be covered.
Q: What if my child gets to the race and decides he doesn’t want to compete in one of the three levels of the triathlon.
A: We understand that a triathlon can be intimidating for every child. That’s why our biggest desire is just for each one to TRY. That being said, after we try to encourage your child to “try” it, if there’s a certain portion they really do not feel comfortable doing, it is ok. We will just adapt and move on to the next element.
Q: My child will be wearing a diaper/pull-up, etc. Will there be a private place for changing?
A: Yes, we will provide a changing tent with a mat where you can change your child privately. There will also be several restrooms and locker rooms that can assist you with this as well.
Q: What do participants need to wear?
A: Since the swimming portion of the I CAN TRI is first, you need to wear your swim gear to the race. You also may bring goggles and whatever else needed to make your swim great. After the swimming portion, you will have time to fully change out of your swimsuit in private or most children just throw on a shirt and shorts over their swimsuit and keep going. The choice is up to each individual and will not affect their participation. You MUST have a bike helmet and tennis shoes for the remainder of the race.
Q: Is the race timed?
A: Nope, no timer! Our motto is “If I can TRY, I can SUCCEED!” So, we are all about kids trying their best and having a great time while doing it…that’s the TIME we care about!
Q: Can I volunteer or be a buddy for the I CAN TRI?
A: Any age child or adult can be part of the cheering squad at the Finish Line Arch. Junior Buddies may be any High school student 16 years or older that wishes to assist a child by doing the triathlon right alongside of them (running beside them as they bike and run). All Junior Buddies must have a personal recommendation from a Therapy & Learning Center employee and must fill out the I CAN TRI Junior Buddies form. You can receive more info by emailing ellen.neely@wth.org. Please do not inquire if this is only about getting community service hours…being a Junior Buddy is much more than that. Anyone over the age of 18 that would like to volunteer, please email ellen.neely@wth.org or call 731-668-9070.
Q: It says the race benefits the Therapy & Learning Center -
What is the Therapy & Learning Center?
A: We are so glad you asked! The Therapy & Learning Center, formerly known as the Kiwanis Center for Child Development and the Cerebral Palsy Center, joined forces in 2008 to fulfill a mission of helping each individual reach his greatest potential through therapy, learning, and care. We serve over 2,000 individuals from birth to adulthood that have special needs and disabilities through therapy, nursing, day educational and social programs, childcare, home intervention, and therapeutic horseback riding – to name a few! Want to know and see more? Check out a great video about TLC @ www.therapyandlearning.org
Have more questions that we haven’t answered here?
Email our Marketing & Events Coordinator at ellen.neely@wth.org or call 731-668-9070 and we will be glad to assist you in any way!
Contact information
- Event contact
- Ellen Neely, Therapy & Learning Center
- ellen.neely@wth.org
- Phone
- 7316689070
