TRI-KIDS, INC. is a non-profit organization providing training, equipment and financial support to kids interested in competing in triathlons. The kids are selected from inner-city neighborhoods and typically do not have these resources available otherwise. The program was developed to expose kids to a sport that requires commitment, dedication and discipline while stressing the importance of training as a team and yet competing as an individual and how to apply that concept in their daily lives. The motto of TRI-KIDS, INC. is "Dream, Believe, Achieve". As long as we can leave each child with that belief, the program is successful.

 

The Need

November 6th, 2012

On average, $2 billion/year has been cut from sports programs in public schools since 2008. As a result, 40% of school districts are requiring a fee to play school sports or other extra curricular activities.  Low-income youth don’t have the resources to participate and are therefore left with lots of idle time…time to get into trouble! As a result, nonprofits and faith based organizations are stepping in to fill the void.

In addition,

  • One third of the nation’s children will already be overweight or obese by third grade. Obesity results in over 20% of the nations health costs.
  • 30% of youth won’t graduate from high school and are 31% more likely to be unemployed than high school graduates. For low income communities, only half will graduate. The goal of Tri-Kids is a 90% High School graduation rate.Tri-Kids has had ZERO dropouts from kids participating in the Tri-Kids program in our 6 year history.
  • Today, more than 750,000 youth are involved in gang activity.
  • More than 80,000 fewer girls participated in school sports last year

Youth who play sports…

  • Have a better chance of graduating high school and are 4 times more likely to attend college
  • Are less likely to abuse drugs (46%) and alcohol (27%), or become pregnant.
  • Have increased personal responsibility and are 3 times more likely to volunteer.
  • Are 94% less likely to engage in criminal activity.

Out-of-school time, can be either an opportunity for youth to engage in positive activities that enhance their development, or a time to involve themselves in negative activities that end up costing the rest of society.