Sports 
Friday, April 8, 2005 

Buffalo Triathlon Club emerged winners of this year’s Mombasa Kids Triathlon challenge held at Treasury Square, Mombasa.

During the two day event the club collected 358 points to lead Bahari Triathlon Club (320), Deansbrook (39), Mombasa Academy (18), and Serani Primary School (18).

It also dominated the male teams category with 347 points. However, the girl performed poorly coming last with 11 points.

The greatest competition was in the boys 6-7 year category where Mohamedsuheil Yussu won. Mohamed Suleiman, who has been a champion in the under 5 years category, emerged third. 

In the Under 15 years swimming category Mohamed Hussein Jiwa proved his prowess by swimming 300 metres perfectly but was no match to Shaneali Dungersi in cycling and running.

Triathlon involves swimming, cycling and running. Apart from individual participation, competitors also participated in relays where they shared responsibilities. In relays one person does the swimming, another rides the bicycle, yet another runs. 

The event attracted more than 100 participants. Mombasa Triathlon Organisation Trust chairman Suleiman Said told Coast Express that the decision to make entrance free was timely.

"This year we have managed to make participation free due to sponsorship and support from parents. We urge you to give us more support by allowing your children to participate whenever we have a similar event," he said.

He was optimistic that in future more children would enrol for the competitions, which are not only good for physical development but promote the sense of competition which is necessary in education.

Girls’ turnout was very low with only 13 from three clubs participating. The low turnout was described as unfortunate as girls have not been actively involved in sporting activities.

Suleiman said a team will be chosen from the winners to represent Mombasa in the national triathlon meet in Nairobi next month.