Junior triathlon to benefit fight against human trafficking
The Heroes Association will have its first junior triathlon Saturday to benefit No to Abuse, an international organization that fights human trafficking.
Heroes is a local organization headed by Aya Hansen, who has done three junior triathlons in the past.
"About 80 percent of the proceeds will go to No to Abuse and the rest will go to future events," she said.
Hansen said in this triathlon the kids ages 3-15 are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero costume. The event will start at the pool at Petrack Park on July 25. The organization expects anywhere from 50 to 70 kids to participate. The kids will be running, swimming and biking a modified triathlon.
"The kids are the heroes because they are helping to raise money for a super cause," she said. "This will be our first junior triathlon in Pahrump and the cool thing about this event is the kids are doing a real triathlon so they are staying in shape."
The age group determines how much swimming, biking and running each kid does. For example, kids who are 3-to-5-years old will swim 50 yards, bike a half mile and run a quarter mile. Whereas older kids from 13 to 15 will swim 300 yards, bike 5 miles and run 2 miles.
Hansen said it's all about helping others and everyone is a winner because they also help themselves by doing something to stay in shape.
Hansen added she really didn't know anything about human trafficking until she lived with her husband in Japan.
"I read about it in Japan and got drawn into it," Hansen said. "Unfortunately, it's everywhere. Most people don't expect it to be around them."
The event will have lots of water available for the kids to drink and will start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. After the event, the participants and their immediate family are invited to stay at the pool for a pool party.
Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. until 7 a.m. and people can also register online at http://www.heroestri.com/.
At 7:30 a.m. the opening ceremony will start with the race starting at 8 a.m. Contact Hansen at 775-764-0573.
