Program Details:

A running/walking program geared to prepare participants for the Maricopa Mile and 5k, each week the team coach led a group run/walk. During the official group workouts, participants had access to Elite level coaches, nutritionist, and physical therapists. Families that chose to register for the program as official participants received 2 pedometers per family to use and track progress during the week. At the conclusion of the challenge, the family with the most distance accumulated was declared the winner. The award was presented at the Maricopa Mile and 5k held on September 5th.

All participants received:

• Pre/post BMI and Body fat analysis
• Weekly group runs and stretching analysis
• Free injury prevention screening from Endurance rehab.
• Fit Family Challenge T-shirt
• Pre and Post fitness assessment
• Pedometer

TEAM Chances also hosted the 1st Annual Maricopa Mile and 5k to share with the community the passion for health, fitness, and recreation that TEAM Chances embodies. Most importantly, funds that were raised continue to provide new CHANCES to individuals in Maricopa.

Project Overview

Team Pinnacle was a high school based running program designed to give “at-risk” students a positive outlet in their lives. The program started with a key note speaker Todd Crandel from Racing for Recovery. The students were then trained by local elite runner Susan Loken in a 12 week program that culminated with the Scottsdale Night Run for the Arts. Students were provided training incentives, their first climb up Camelback Mountain, team shirts, race entry, transportation, running shoes from Tempe based Sole Sports, and a pasta dinner from Bucca de Beppo.

Project Overview

The Arizona Junior Triathlon Racing team was established in 2006 as a developmental program for young triathletes.  The goal of the program was to provide educational, training, leadership, volunteerism, and racing opportunities to promising young athletes in Arizona who desire to race and participate in the sport of triathlon.  The Arizona Junior Triathlon Program was funded with the proceeds of the DT Spirit of Triathlon Race held annually.

Program Objective

The objectives of the Arizona Junior Triathlon Team was to:

• Teach promising athletes a mindset and methodology for training and racing now and throughout their lives;
• Teach athletes the link between goal-setting, effort, and achievement;
• Connect kids in a program structure that enhances their self-esteem, self-discipline, perseverance, focus and sportsmanship;
• Develop program structure to increase the athlete’s understanding of health, nutrition, and academics by incorporating program experiences as teaching opportunities.
• Provide high profile racing experiences to athletes geared toward opportunities for national team selections.

Selection Criteria

In January of each year, interest participants were invited to apply for the team.  Potential team members sent their application and 400 word essay describing why they would want to be a part of the team and what their goals are as a triathlete via email to ArizonaJuniorTriathlonTeam@landistriathlonracing.com.  The essays were numerically tagged and sent to a review team for selections.  The review team consisted of Landis Racing Team members, team sponsors, and Dick Tomlin family members.  The size of the team was based on annual funding available through the Spirit of Triathlon Race.

Program Components

The Arizona Junior Racing Team program consisted of the following components:

• Racing - Team members were required to commit to five pre-selected team races.  All members of the team had to either participate in the race or support the team at the race (if an injury occurs).
• Coaching/Sport Guidance - Team members were provided with coaching as requested.  Coaching was provided through a USA Triathlon certified coach.
• Sport Education - Team members were provided with educational learning opportunities that were provided by specialists in the areas of swimming, cycling, running, triathlon, sport psychology, and goal setting.
• Volunteerism - Team members were required to participate in 2 hours of community service per month.  Community service was pre-approved by the program director.