Primary pupils take the plunge for first-ever aquathon competition

Jun 25 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

OVER 120 pupils took part in South Lanarkshire’s first ever primary school aquathon at Blantyre Leisure Centre earlier this month.

Pupils from Chatelherault Primary, Hamilton, St Joseph’s Primary in Blantyre, High Blantyre Primary and Bothwell Primary Schools were among the schools which took part in the event.

The aquathon was organised by South Lanarkshire Leisure in partnership with Regen:fx and Hamilton Sports Council.

Each pupil had to swim two lengths and a width of the pool and then, after a quick change, immediately follow up with a run round the perimeter of the football pitches.

This type of event was a first for the young pupils, but they quickly got the hang of things and every one of them completed the aquathon.

The various formats of aquathon events – which can combine swimming, running and cycling – are growing rapidly in popularity.

A South Lanarkshire Leisure spokesperson said: “The staging of this first ever South Lanarkshire Aquathon represented an opportunity to introduce children to a new fun sport with the hope that the young pupils will have enjoyed the event so much they will continue to keep physically active and subsequently benefit from improved health.

“It is hoped to build on this event next year and establish similar events in other areas throughout South Lanarkshire.”