They competed in a triathlon earlier this month during their scheduled PE lesson, and it was hailed as a resounding success.

The Olympic event itself is comprised of a 1500m swim, a 40km cycle and a 10km run, and all the pupils taking part in Broadoak's version rose triumphantly to the challenge and finished with ample energy to spare.

With the support of the school's head of PE Linda Benion and staff at Broadoak High School, Triathlon Development officer for Manchester Mark Tweedie organised his first schools triathlon since starting his new job in March.

Mark is the first regionally-based triathlon development officer in the country and his role is primarily to promote the sport to school children and create links with schools and clubs.

He said, "I was delighted with the efforts of the children who thoroughly enjoyed the experience and how they took what some people would label as an exhausting activity in their stride.

"Broadoak has excellent facilities to host triathlon events for children and the planned initiatives have been made possible as a result of the willingness of staff at the school to get involved," he added.

Each participating pupil received as certificate to acknowledge their achievement and Mark said that "they will be a hard act to follow."

Mark' posting is part of an initiative to develop the sport of triathlon prior to Manchester hosting the 2002 Commonwealth games, when Salford Quays will host the triathlon event of the games.

However, you will not have to wait until 20002 to see a major triathlon event at Salford Quays.

Trafford Borough Council is working together with Salford and Manchester to host a national series triathlon this summer at the Quays on Sunday August 20th.

That's not to forget young people, however, as a Children's Triathlon is planned at Irlam swimming pool in Salford on Bank Holiday Monday August 28.

Mark is sure that if the success of the recent event at Broadoak is anything to go by, a number of children from Partington will place highly at the Irlam event.

He said, "The event will be a high profile children's triathlon and will attract young triathletes from around the country including a large contingent from the North-west."

Broadoak is now set to develop its involvement with triathlon further. Local primary schools are to be invited to the school to try a triathlon and Mark is teaming up with Sue Balmer, responsible for swimming at the school, to run a triathlon club for interested pupils on Tuesday evenings after school.

They plan to work with the young 'wannabe' triathletes to establish Broadoak and Partington as a successful centre for nurturing talent.

Anyone interested in participating in triathlons whatever your age or ability feel free to contact Mark on 0161 736 9448.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.