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 13th will be guaranteed to receive a sweatshirt, bag with race swag 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. For the swim portion, we will have certified swim staff in the pool that can fully assist and help your child with the whole distance of the swim or just stand by for safety support. If you child does not feel like they can compete in one of the 3 legs of the TRI, we can adapt it to cater their needs but please call or email us and let us know specifics. 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 @ 731-664-3670 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 $18.00 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. If your child does wear a diaper, they must wear an appropriate swim diaper while in the pool. Regular diapers are not allowed.
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. TLC can provide a bike helmet for you if needed.
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 - and we need you! Junior Buddies may be any 18 year old 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 731-664-3670.
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 3,000 individuals from birth to adulthood that have special needs and disabilities through physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy in our pediatric outpatient clinic, in 54 schools in West Tennessee, in daycares and also in over 300 homes in our area including Shelby County. Lastly, we provide Hippotherapy and therapeutic horseback riding through our Rein-Bow Riding Academy 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 & Community Outreach Manager at ellen.neely@wth.org or call 731-664-3670 and we will be glad to assist you in any way!
