The Tri-for-Life triathlon, hosted by the Human Kinetics Society on Sunday at the St. Denis Centre, attracted 20 contestants and raised $350 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

“No matter if you are tall or short, overweight or underweight, if you are a participant you are an athlete,” says co-ordinator Zikra Nilam, a third-year human kinetics student.

Nilam wants to switch focus from the physical performance and instead bring attention to the health benefits and amusement of participating in a triathlon.

“Many students neglect their health during their studies by sleeping too little and skipping meals,” she says. By having information booths from health-oriented organizations, she hopes to inform participants about how to achieve a healthy lifestyle and have fun in the same time.

One of the exhibitors was the Heart and Stroke Foundation, which received all the profits from the triathlon. The money will help raise awareness and fund research, so that more people can survive the diseases caused by an inactive lifestyle.

Fourth-year human kinetics student Andrew Penner performed the 15-minute cycling event for his team. Although Penner describes himself as competitive, that was not the main reason he was there: “It’s a cheerful event and it’s for a good cause.”

article and photo by Ida Karlsson