The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is set to return in November, with Toyota showing support through its ties to local communities and grassroots sports.
A total of 11 TRYathlons are scheduled nationwide through to the end of March 2025, the first of this season being in Manurewa in South Auckland on November 20.
Alongside its long-standing support of the TRYathlon series, Toyota has backed the Sanitarium Weet-Bix TRY CHALLENGE in Schools since 2023. The three-week programme encourages Kiwi kids in schools to be active outside the events themselves.
After several events were cancelled during the pandemic, organisers looked for opportunities to provide for children and communities that would otherwise not be able to experience a triathlon due to a number of factors, such as geographical or socioeconomic conditions.
As part of the TRY CHALLENGE, kids aged 5-15 work towards achieving a physical activity goal and will earn a Champions medal and TRYathlon t-shirt after succeeding.
Inspiring the next generation of athletes
Brand Guardians such as Dame Valerie Adams, Emma Twigg and David Liti have supported Toyota’s involvement in the Sanitarium Weet-Bix TRYathlon by getting involved, attending and spending time in the Toyota tent completing activities, or cheering kids on.
Twigg has said she dreamed of being an Olympic champion from a young age, and now as a gold medalist wants to instil confidence in young athletes the same way her family and community have supported her.
“When I was young, I had such amazing role models, and to be in a position to be that person now for someone else is truly special,” she says. “I love that there’s such a diverse array of people that can be inspirational to young Kiwis, and I love that I’m part of that myself.”
Liti says he wants to lift up his community and inspire young people, especially those in his family.
“I want to set an example, especially for my nieces and nephews, that they can be, and they can do, whatever it is they want in the future,” he says. “I’m from South Auckland and grew up in Tonga. So, to help inspire them and to motivate them is one of my biggest goals.”
Supporting healthier, more mobile communities
As part of its goal of mobility for all, Toyota NZ and local Toyota store owners have also put their backing into the goal of a more active, healthier New Zealand by supporting the TRYathlon and TRY CHALLENGE.
Toyota stores across the country have used their community roots to back a range of grassroots sporting initiatives, including Blenheim Toyota’s support of Queen Charlotte Yacht Club’s Learn To Sail programme in Picton, and South Canterbury Toyota’s support of the South Canterbury Rugby Football Union (SCRFU).
The company says grassroots sports are worth backing as they often involve families and people from all walks of life and can foster a sense of community connection, belonging and wellbeing.
It also highlights the societal benefits that come about from more active children and increased participation in grassroots sports, including reduced pressure on the health system, the justice system and the economic system, as well as improved community infrastructure.
“Active children are more likely to develop healthy habits that they carry into adulthood,” Toyota NZ says. “Sports and fitness are also linked to improved mental well-being, social skills, academic performance, and access to positive role models. Toyota NZ is involved in initiatives that benefit communities to help New Zealand shine.”
This content was sponsored by Toyota New Zealand. Learn more about the Sanitarium Weet-Bix TRYathlon and TRY CHALLENGE here.
