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Fairchild kids participate in triathlon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Fairchild's seventh annual Kids Wellness Triathlon was held Aug. 24, inviting kids from the base community to swim, bike and run their way to individual greatness.  The event was organized by the 92nd Medical Group.

"Obesity has become one of the fastest growing problems in the United States pediatric population--we have noted a similar increase in our military population as well," said Capt. (Dr.) Tanisha Morton-John, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron pediatrician, an event organizer. "Since I was born, obesity rates have tripled! As a pediatrician, my focus is not only disease treatment, but also prevention. This was a great event supporting health and fitness in our youth while encouraging healthy decisions which will last a lifetime."

The non-competitive event was meant for youths as old as 15 years to establish a fitness regimen for life. Five different age groups were divided up into their respective brackets to swim, bike and run particular distances. Participants of many ages were seen running across the front lawn area of the base gym from station to station in their transitions between different stages of the triathlon.

"He loves swimming, bike riding and running," said Tech. Sgt. Matt Ryplewski, 36th Rescue Flight NCO in charge of scheduling, regarding his son Matthew, one of the participants. "We thought this triathlon would be a great event for him."

Ryplewski's son Matthew had thoughts of his own on his participation in the triathlon: "I'm really good at swimming, so I thought I should try for it. I've done eight miles on a bike and I run a mile each day."

The resilience of the 70 participants was put to the test during part of the running segment when unexpected rain clouds brought drizzle to what was projected to be a clear, sunny day. However, the participants enthusiastically completed the course, and no injuries were reported.

"Seeing the smiles on their faces when they cross the finish line is truly the most rewarding part of why we do this annual event," said Staff Sgt. Sean Devereaux, 92nd Medical Operations Squadron physical medicine craftsman, an event organizer. "These kids accomplished a triathlon--it wasn't easy, but they did it...and that is awesome."

The 92nd Medical Group is already preparing for next year's event.

"It was an exciting experience for our triathletes, parents, supporters and volunteers," said Morton-John. "I'd like to thank the Population Health Team at the Medical Group and the 92nd Medical Group Family Network for their support. I can't wait to start planning for next year!"

The triathlon merited positive attention from the top of Fairchild's leadership.

"We ended the week with the 92nd Medical Group and an army of volunteers hosting a fabulous Kids Triathlon," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "This event promoted a ton of smiles and underscored that we as a Wing celebrate fitness and family in one breath!"