A group of 85 Clontarf academy members from across Victoria recently came together in Melbourne for the Partner Duathlon, delivered with support from AusTriathlon.
The event recognised academy members who have shown strong and consistent engagement across school, training, camps and after-school activities. It also gave them the chance to take part in a team-based sporting challenge alongside corporate and community partners.
Held across the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre and Lakeside Stadium, the duathlon brought academy members, staff and 35 partner organisation representatives together for a day focused on participation, teamwork and connection.
Academy members and partner representatives were placed into mixed teams, completing a 30-minute stationary bike leg followed by a 30-minute running leg. Across the event, teams covered an impressive 649 kilometres, including 456 kilometres on the bike and 192 kilometres on the run.
The day was less about individual performance and more about effort, encouragement and having a go. Academy members supported one another throughout the event, worked closely with partner representatives and made the most of the opportunity to meet people from a range of industries.
AusTriathlon Victorian State Services Manager Nadelle Legge said the academy members made a strong impression.
“I honestly cannot get over what a brilliant bunch of boys you have. It’s a credit to the work you do with them,” Ms Legge said.
Tutt Bryant Operations Manager VIC/TAS Anthony Brown also praised the way academy members engaged with partners throughout the day.
“I am constantly impressed at the [Clontarf employment] forums and this event by the effort the lads put in to interact with partners and present in front of a crowd,” Mr Brown said.
“I found it good bonding with the boys when interacting over a sporting event together.”
Team 1 finished first overall with a combined distance of 29.02 kilometres, followed by Team 15 on 27.56 kilometres and Team 12 on 26.28 kilometres.
Individual awards were also presented, with Jakiah King from Mildura receiving the Golden Rider award and Hunter Axford from Bairnsdale receiving the Golden Runner award.
Clontarf Spirit Awards were presented to Ahren Hudson from Bairnsdale, Raymond Backus from Robinvale, Brandon Triangolo from St Patricks, Skyler Humphrey from Mildura, Levi Plonsker from Swan Hill and Chayce Grinter from Warrnambool.
Partner representatives Grant Treherne and Jess Scata from Goodman Fielder, Karl Heward from Clublinks, Anthony Brown from Tutt Bryant, Alex Hewett from TGI and Karin Pamio from Deutsche Bank were also recognised with Clontarf Spirit Awards.
Each participating academy member received a finisher’s shirt, designed by Year 9 Bairnsdale Academy member Ahren Hudson.
Following the duathlon, academy members attended NRL State of Origin II at the MCG, providing a memorable reward for their efforts and a rare opportunity to experience one of Australia’s major sporting events live.
Thank you to AusTriathlon and all partner organisations for their support in delivering the event. Congratulations also to the young men involved for the effort, teamwork and positivity they showed throughout the day.
