Over 230 children raced the second Pho3nix Kids Triathlon Philippines this weekend. Held at Fontana Leisure Park in Clark Freeport Zone on April 15, the multisport festival attracted veteran and beginner youth athletes ages 5 to 17 from hundreds of miles around to compete in triathlon, duathlon, and fun run categories.
In line with sport nonprofit Pho3nix Foundation’s thrust to break down barriers for kids participating with sport, each paid entry sponsors a free entry for children from partner community schools and grassroots outreach. For this event, paid registrations tripled, allowing more children from Air Force City Elementary School, Air Force City High School, Centro Fidel International School, and the indigenous Aeta community to come join the active fun.
“This is the second time my kids participated in the Pho3nix races,” says parent Rhia Stawicki. “It’s a great opportunity for them to be outdoors, engage in physical activities and to socialize with other kids. Not only the kids, but also the parents. This race brings all of us together and I can’t be happier!”
Positive word of mouth from parents and participants in the previous event last month drew many more to make this race not just their first Pho3nix Kids race, but their first triathlon ever. Even more families came back and have committed to doing the rest of the series on May 20 and October 14 at New Clark City, and the stand-alone Pho3nix Kids Tri Season Finale on November 26 at Clark Freeport Zone.
Pho3nix Kids Triathlon Philippines partner GoClark Sports and Events also organized a shoe donation drive generating funds to purchase 20 new pairs of shoes for participants from the outreach and schools who did not have proper footwear for running. Interested donors may still drop off gently-used pairs of shoes or cash donations at Cycles and Brew at the Clark Parade Grounds.
