Off-road training reaching disadvantaged youth

CHERIE'S KIDS:  Top age-grouper Cherie Gruenfeld found a new way to share her passion for triathlon - by helping train a group of low-income children for the sport. Ten of her kids competed at the XTERRA SCRAMBLE® at the Nissan Xterra West Championship in Temecula. "We had a wonderful time and the kids were really proud of themselves. We ended up with a twisted ankle and a gashed leg, but first aid was applied only AFTER they crossed the finish line," said Gruenfeld. Gruenfeld has won her age group a number of times at Ironman Hawaii and holds age-group titles at Ironman USA and the Roth Challenge. Every penny collected for the foundation goes directly to the kids for bikes, helmets, running shoes, even food to get them through training and events. 

THIS SUMMER:  300 at-risk kids from Norfolk and Virginia Beach will get the chance to learn to swim, run the trails, and ride mountain bikes in wilderness areas close to Norfolk, VA. The XTERRA Foundation bought bikes; stationary bikes, helmets and support equipment to help make this five-week program possible.  On June 20th, Old Dominion University will start the first National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) aimed at off-road triathlon for disadvantaged children ages 10-14 that are living below the U.S. poverty guidelines.  This summer might be a successful pilot for future years, and the other 75,000 kids who take part in NYSP programs every year. If you'd like to volunteer as a guest speaker, mentor or coach, please contact Ann, toll-free at 1-877-751-8880.

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