New Equipment funded by LifeLEISURE’S David Hopkins Foundation has helped more people try Triathlon at Stockport’s Triathlon Club.
More and more people are discovering the great sense of achievement from sporting challenges such as Ironman, Triathlons and Duathlons and, with the Brownlee brothers topping the world stage, it’s no surprise that the recently formed Stockport Triathlon Club has got off to a flying start, attracting over 70 members in its first year.
Left: Founder Don Bennett in action
Now, thanks to the delivery of three new indoor cycling turbo trainers and cycle computers funded by the Life Leisure David Hopkins Foundation, the club is hoping to attract even more people to take up the multi-disciplined sport or at least give it a try!
Don Bennett, club secretary and one of the founders of the club says that the additional equipment will enable people to learn the basics of race cycling without venturing onto the roads,
“The cycle trainers are perfect for introducing them to the sport, getting their position correct and improving their basic strength, technique and confidence. Members can train more effectively all year round indoors and the cycle computers allow all athletes to monitor and optimise their performance during training.”
The club encourage individuals to enjoy sport and get into triathlon through a programme of training and events, many of which are held at local Life Leisure facilities. In conjunction with its sister club, Bramhall Runners, there are training sessions covering the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running daily.
Don continues,
“The club is for beginners and experienced triathletes alike. We have the coaching staff and now the equipment to work with absolute beginners to help them safely and effectively get into this fantastic sport, yet we are also able to cater for more experienced athletes. We are proud to have Carolyn Hume who has just competed in the Lanzarote Ironman event, completing a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon run in under 17 hours and two members competing in the 2016 European Duathlon Championships for the Great Britain team.”
Mandy Waller from the Life Leisure David Hopkins Foundation said,
“The panel was delighted to provide funding towards the cost of getting this club quite literally up and running. Triathlon is a growing sport and the club has the expertise to support and encourage more people to participate in sport which is exactly in line with the aims of the David Hopkins Foundation. Once, again, I would like to pay tribute to our Life Leisure staff whose dedication to fundraising enables the David Hopkins Foundation to support community initiatives such as the Stockport Triathlon Club.”
The David Hopkins Foundation accepts applications from individuals living in Stockport or registered charities or clubs that are based in the Stockport Borough for amounts up to £500 for individuals and £1,000 for clubs. If you would like to apply for funding for your activity or project from the David Hopkins Foundation please visit lifeleisure.net/enterprise/charity or call 0161 482 0900.