Skip to main content

Mission Moment: Kids That Tri

On August 21st, four Cleveland youth were able to achieve a goal of participating in a triathlon through their hard work and dedication over the past ten months as part of the Kids That Tri Cleveland program. The Kids That Tri Cleveland program (KTT) was founded by Lakewood YMCA branch board member and local triathlete Mark Brandt to help Cleveland youth gain athletic skills, improve their health and achieve goals in a safe, empowering and nurturing environment. 

In partnership with the USA Triathlon Foundation and the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, KTT pairs Cleveland youth within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District with local volunteer coaches and mentors who work with the teenagers every month on skills building as it relates to swimming, biking and running activities.  They also focus on setting achievable goals and celebrating with one another.

Throughout 2021, approximately 15-17 teens from Davis Aerospace and Maritime High School learned to swim, built their cardiovascular running endurance and mastered the safety and agility skills necessary to ride a road bike safely. On Saturday August 21st, four KITT members participated in the Tri CLE Rock Roll Run triathlon.

We are so proud of these young people, humbled by the support of the coaches and mentors and grateful to our community that supports the YMCA.  Please click on this very short video to be inspired and witness what our youth are achieving in our own backyard of Cleveland!

If you would like to support the work of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, please contact Beth Darmstadter, Chief Philanthropy Officer, at undefined bdarmstadter@clevelandymca.org. or click here: https://www.clevelandymca.org/give.

Ohio’s community and on behalf of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland – we thank you!