YOUNG triathletes gather today at the Plantation Bay Resort and Spa Cebu on Mactan Island for the SuperTriKids National Grassroots Program (NAGP) Camp and Competition.
The camp will be handled by national triathlon coach Melvin Fausto.
Although the camp is open to beginners, its main objective is to follow up and assess the developmental athletes selected in Cebu namely the Chiongbian brothers—Justin and Yuan—and Nica Villaba.
In just under six months, Justin Chiongbian has already made the national developmental team.
Also joining the camp are other members of the national developmental team. They are Sixto Louie Lalanto of Cagayan de Oro and Jomai Santos of Pampanga. Also expected is Jimuel Patilan of Olongapo.
Oscar “Boying” Rodriguez, executive director of the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP), said the camp will also serve as the preparation for this year’s Batang Pinoy games as those showing potential will be fielded to see action in that multi-sporting event.
The clinic will have time trials for swimming, biking and running. Swimming will be held at the resort, biking at the Mactan Newtown while organizers are hoping Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu would allow them the use of their oval for the running. Participants will also be subjected to lectures.
On Saturday, an aquathlon will be held for the participants. Categories are 6-under, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12 and 13-15. /CORRESPONDENT MARS G. ALISON