The Opening Ceremony for the ITU World Triathlon Series in Bermuda will feature young people from across the island in the lead up to the sporting event that organizers said has attracted athletes from 33 countries.
“The Opening Ceremony is a salute to all of Bermuda’s young sports stars, recognizing that great achievement is a lifetime pursuit that can begin at a very young age,” the organizers said.
Minister for Economic Development and Tourism Jamahl Simmons said: “I am pleased that the junior athletes will have the opportunity to follow-in the footsteps of Bermuda’s own Athlete of the Year. It cannot be understated the fact that our students have an amazing opportunity to compete on the world stage and also be inspired by watching Flora Duffy compete in her own country.”
“We hope all residents will crowd Front Street and cheer on the TMR Kids Duathlon on Friday evening. To the young people of Bermuda, we celebrate your participation in the Opening Ceremony and the Duathlon.”
Close to 200 children have registered to race in the TMR Kids Duathlon on Front Street on Friday night, many who are new to the sport.
They have all been invited to be part of the ceremony, in a short parade to the Flagpole. The Royal Bermuda Regiment band will follow the children, as well as 33 young flag bearers from Bermuda, representing every country competing in Saturday’s World Triathlon.
Children who wish to participate in the parade and compete in Friday night’s TMR Kids Duathlon may still register online at www.tribermuda.com until Wednesday.
Lead flag bearers will be young Bermudian athletes swimmer Jesse Washington and high jumper Sakari Famous.
Famous, a Berkeley student, is a 6-time CARIFTA Games medalist (2 Silver and 4 Bronze), she took a place on the podium at last year’s Youth Commonwealth Games and has qualified to compete in the Central American and Caribbean Games.
Washington, a Warwick Academy student has won multiple medals at CARIFTA, he competed in the Youth Commonwealth Games and continues to place at top-ranking international swim meets.
BTA Chief Product and Experiences Development Officer Pat Phillip-Fairn said, “It’s great to see the positive response to the TMR Kids Duathlon race. We’re proud that so many young Bermuda athletes will compete on part of the course and will run through the same finish area as world champions will use on Saturday. These opportunities can inspire them in their own success. We wish them all a great race!”
Head of TMR Bermuda, Kathleen Faries, said, “We’re so excited to see our TMR Duathlon kids joining in the World Triathlon Series Opening Ceremony. We want to wish all of the athletes a fantastic race and we are especially proud of the children who are competing on Friday, April 27th. Finish strong everyone!”
Organizers said, “Celebrations begin on Thursday at 7.00pm with entertainment from Bermuda’s own Nadanja Bailey, MC for the evening. Local and visiting dignitaries will welcome residents and international athletes, including Flora Duffy, Bermuda’s 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist.
