If You Can Dream It, You Can ACHIEVE It
Wilson Coles is a triathlete, just like you. He is 10 years old, and he lives in Washington, D.C. His mother signed him up for a free six-week summer camp program at their neighborhood Department of Parks and Recreation Center — the program would teach Wilson about triathlon.
The program Wilson participated in is called ACHIEVE, and it helps kids ages 9-14 learn the skills needed for triathlon. Since many of the youth join the program with no background in swimming, the full six weeks of training are essential for ensuring all athletes learn the life saving skill of swimming. All camp participants are supported and taught by USAT-certified and trained coaches and staff.
In the first few weeks of camp, the coaches could tell that Wilson was a natural athlete. Wilson has participated in more than 10 triathlons in the DC metro area, and has done very well. Triathlon has become a big part of Wilson’s life.
Wilson explains why he enjoys triathlon, saying, “Because they are fun, challenging, and keep me physically and mentally fit. I’ve learned some life lessons in each triathlon. I must say I do enjoy winning and continuing to compete to push myself to pass my limits. Overall, I believe my hard work, determination and perseverance makes me a winner regardless of the outcome in all areas of my life.”
Michelle Harburg is the Community Development Director for ACHIEVE, and she knows Wilson as a very positive and earnest kid.
“In 2011, he came to volunteer at the Washington DC Triathlon to help hand out medals as athletes cross the finish line,” she said. “Later at the award ceremony we asked him to say a few words about ACHIEVE. He was willing, albeit a little nervous, but still went up there and made an impromptu speech that captured the entire audience.”
The ACHIEVE program is just one way for kids to get involved in triathlon. Working with a coach, joining a club and finding friends who like to swim, bike and run are great ways to be part of the triathlon community.
Wilson thinks triathlon is a great sport to be a part of, and he shared three things he thinks will help others get interested in the sport he loves:
How kids can get started in triathlon: Kids can start biking on trails or around their neighborhood. Kids can go to their local pool or join a swim team.
What he likes best about competing: I like the physical challenge and competing against other kids my age. I also like the feeling of accomplishment I get from practicing, getting better, and then doing your best in a race.
4
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132 |
Page 133 |
Page 134 |
Page 135 |
Page 136 |
Page 137 |
Page 138 |
Page 139 |
Page 140 |
Page 141 |
Page 142 |
Page 143 |
Page 144 |
Page 145 |
Page 146 |
Page 147 |
Page 148 |
Page 149 |
Page 150 |
Page 151 |
Page 152