Community Volunteers Make Annual Kid’s TRY-athlon a Success

Congratulations to all that participated in the Seventh Annual Friends of Aine Kid’s TRY-athlon, held recently in Bedford, New Hampshire. Racers from 41 towns throughout New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine came together to swim, bike and run to raise money for grieving children and families.

This unique event occurs annually on a course designed specifically for kids ages 4 to 15, no matter their athletic ability. It is an opportunity for kids to experience a race without the pressures of worrying if they can make the distances or not – we’ve designed it so that everyone is triumphant. Kids aged 4 -10 swim 25 yards, run ½ mile and bike 1 mile; and kid’s aged 11 -15 swim 50 yards, run 1 mile and bike 2 miles. Event timing and course logistics are provided by Millennium running, and the event is staffed entirely by volunteers.

“Now in its seventh year, the Kid’s TRY-athlon would not be possible without the hundreds of volunteers that support all aspects of the event,” says Friends of Aine co-founder Christine Phillips. “We have a volunteer committee that organizes the event, individuals that join us each year to help the day run smoothly and sports teams that help with post-race activities for the kids. From small gestures like encouraging nervous racers and helping to tie shoes, to team leads that secure sponsorships and organize the post-race festival, volunteers are the glue that hold the event together. We are truly grateful for the support.”

Proceeds from the event fund the Good Grief bereavement programs for children and teens that have experienced a significant death. A 501 c3 non-profit organization, Friends of Aine offers all services, resources and programs to families free of charge.

If you are interested in volunteering with Friends of Aine or for more information about our organization and it’s mission to support grieving children and families, please visit www.friendsofaine.com or contact Friends of Aine at 603-669-1120.