Conchman Triathlon launches corporate challenge cup on November 5

Fitter employees can result in a more efficient company, and organisers of the Conchman Triathlon want to harness that fact to encourage local companies to get involved in this year’s 30th anniversary event on November 5th.

Pointing to a recent Harvard University study that found a direct correlation between physical fitness and mental firepower, the triathlon committee is promoting its corporate challenge as a means of improving physical health in the business community and increasing productivity in the workplace.“

Regular exercise improves your mood, makes you happier and makes you feel more fulfilled – all good things for workers, particularly those whose job involves interaction with the public,” Christopher Baker, Conchman chairman and veteran participant in all three event disciplines, said.

“We want to spark boss’ imaginations so they can see the dual opportunity here. There are publicity benefits, but also big productivity improvements to be gained. We are proposing that companies enter teams and encourage staff to get motivated into some physical exercise. The 30th Conchman Triathlon is the perfect opportunity to begin a fitness programme in every company on the island.”

Organisers expressed hopes of receiving a substantial number of registrants for the corporate challenge, noting that the winning team of three will not only earn a trophy, but also bragging rights for the entire year.The Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) has already committed to the event with a major sponsorship in the swimming discipline. “We shall be entering several teams this year,” GBPA Vice Chairperson Sarah St. George said. “We at the Port endorse the initiative of the corporate challenge to get more companies involved. We will also provide a team of volunteers to help on the day [of the event].”

Erika Gates of Garden of the Groves has also signed up and already started her training. She said, “It is a great incentive for me and my company team members to get fit.”

This year’s jubilee Conchman is being touted as a day of fitness and fun for the entire community to enjoy.

“It does not matter if the company is BTC or a small mall shop, workmates can come out to cheer on their team – and then stay to enjoy all the events we have planned,” Mr Baker said.

Participants in the Conchman Triathlon can choose to participate in all three disciplines – a 750-metre (m) swim, 20-kilometre (km) bike ride and 5km run – or join a three-person team and select one of the disciplines to complete.

Companies interested in competing for the Triathlon Corporate Challenge Cup can register an unlimited number of teams. Each team will be charged a $500 entry fee. In return, businesses will get an array of benefits, including the chance to have their teams decked out in the company livery – a sort of mobile advert for the business.The corporate challenge is the latest segment to be unveiled as part of this year’s 30th Conchman Triathlon. A few months ago, the triathlon committee revealed the event would include a category for the island’s high schools, with cash prizes as well as a trophy for the winners. The event is expected to become a highlight in the island’s school sports calendar.

Like the corporate challenge, the objective of the high school competition is to increase the number of participants in the annual triathlon, but also place a sharp focus on the importance of fitness and health, and how they provide the foundation for a happy and long life.

The 30th Conchman Triathlon takes place on Guy Fawkes Day, November 5 at Taino Beach. The event will feature its usual sprint triathlon and Iron Kids competition in addition to an Olympic-distance triathlon, which comprises a 1.5km swim, a 40km bike ride and a 10km run.

The Conchman Triathlon will be an all-day event culminating in a Junkanoo rush-out and bonfire on the beach, complete with a firework display.

Organisers have been coordinating the event for a number of months now and will be partnering with the Ministry of Tourism and the Grand Bahama Tourism Board.Registration is now open at www.active.com.