The Aroostook Medical Center and the University of Maine at Presque Isle have once again teamed up to bring a fun event to The County this summer. The Aroostook Youth Triathlon is set for June 17, 2017 on the UMPI campus. To help area youth get ready for the big event, an Aroostook Youth Tri Club is getting underway on Friday, May 12.

TAMC and UMPI are collaborating with SAD 1 Adult & Community Education as well as University Credit Union to implement a youth program that will meet after school from 3pm to 5pm on Fridays for five weeks at the University’s Gentile Hall. Children from MSAD #1 will be transported by bus to UMPI and can be picked up there by5:15 p.m.  Children from other schools are also invited to be a part of the club, but parents or guardians must arrange transportation to and from the facility.

The Aroostook Youth Triathlon on June 17 involves swimming, biking and running and is geared towards youth who will turn ages 8 to 14 by December 31, 2017.  Those who join the Aroostook Youth Tri Club will benefit from training, guided by coaches, in all three areas.

“We’re happy to partner with MSAD #1 Adult & Community Education this year, who has agreed to help with transportation as well as registration for the event,” said Jamie Guerrette, community health specialist at TAMC. “The University Credit Union is also helping to provide coaching and support staff.”

Joining the Tri Club, which meets every Friday from May 12 through June 9, will cost $25 per student, which includes training, snacks, coaching, a club t-shirt and registration for the Youth Triathlon in June.

“We are holding the Youth Tri earlier in the summer to hopefully avoid colder conditions in the fall,” said Guerrette. “These Friday Tri Club sessions will let kids shake off the winter and get in shape for the triathlon in June.”

LeRae Kinney, coordinator for MSAD #1 Adult & Community Education, hopes that events like this will foster a healthier lifestyle for area youth. “We welcome youth from all backgrounds and abilities and we hope that this helps to put them on the right path and keeps them striving towards better health,” Kinney said.

Parents who are concerned about their child’s swimming ability should know that swim noodles and life jackets will be permitted. All participants must have a bike and helmet that meet the specified requirements and pass a bike check.

For those who want to register their child for the June Aroostook Youth Tri event only, the cost is $10.  This registration fee includes a participation t-shirt and a medal. The deadline to register for the triathlon is June 9.

“We are very pleased to be partnering with TAMC for this special event that showcases so well the work our organizations do to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyles,” said UMPI Interim President Ray Rice. “It’s always impressive to see what local youth are able to accomplish and we look forward to seeing a large contingent of young triathletes on the course around campus this year. We’d encourage the community to join us in cheering on these inspirational competitors.”

To register or for more information, visit www.aroostookyouthtri.org, or www.facebook.com/aroostookyouthtri.