Perth Primary School broke new ground on Thursday when it sent a team of students to the Schools Triathlon Challenge in Devonport for the first time.
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Led by school groundsman and accredited triathlon coach Steve Muir and advanced skills teacher Ben Johnson, the team has been training weekly for the last two months in preparation for individual and team events.
Mr Johnson said he had been overwhelmed with the students’ passion for the sport.
“Out of those 30 (in the team), 28 of them have never taken part in a triathlon in their life, so it’s giving them access to something that’s a little bit different outside of their normal goings on,” Mr Johnson said.
“When they've been confronted with challenges, their effort and perseverance through those challenges has been absolutely mind blowing, really exceptional.”
Mr Johnson said he hoped the triathlon would become a regular fixture for students.
“We understand the positive effects that a fit and healthy lifestyle has on students’ learning so we've been really encouraging our students to participate in as many extra-curricular activities as they can that suit their lifestyle.
“We would hope to consolidate it this year with all the positive feedback we're getting from students and parents, and it's certainly something we'll be looking to offer next year and into the future.”
