Tribuddies is a program that gives at-risk kids a chance to compete in youth triathlon events – running, swimming, and biking – that have been developed just for them.

The children, known as “Littles,” are part of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia. Each child has a Big Brother or Sister – a “Big” – assigned to him or her to serve as a combination mentor, supporter, advocate, and cheerleader. Both work with a Coach, a local triathlete whose job is to get the child physically and mentally prepared for the event. The Coaches are all members of the Columbia Triathlon Club.

With the help of their Bigs and the expertise of their Coaches, the children will put their strength and their bodies through the test – learning to swim better, run faster, and cycle farther than they ever thought possible. And when the training is done, they’ll be ready for the Ultimate Test: a public triathlon event.

Tribuddies will compete in their first event this fall. Check them out in the Columbia Youth Triathlon scheduled for September 6, 2008, at Quail Valley.