THE Jake’s Off-Road Triathlon, set for April 24, was launched on Thursday at the Shakti Mind Body Fitness Centre, with the focus on promoting community development.

Triathlon is a multi-sport endurance event consisting of swimming, cycling and foot racing in immediate succession over various distances.

Jason Henzell, who is responsible for the staging of the event and the owner of Jake’s, said the main off-road race will be combined with a weekend of fitness activities and entertainment hosted by some of Jamaica’s top gyms and sporting associations.

The event is known for its rugged race course and community-oriented approach and brings international and local athletes to Jamaica’s tranquil south coast.

Chairman of the Mountain Bike Committee, David Linehan, who himself is a participant, said the Jamaica Cycling Federation has been working hard to garner interest in the sport of cycling.

“We have a full racing programme this year. The idea is to get people involved for the fun of it, and at several of the meets we have special races for the youngsters. We try to push it around the island and provide what help we can. There’s a lot of talent in Jamaica, it’s amazing,” he stated.

He added that mountain biking has room to grow in the island since it is relatively inexpensive in comparison to other areas of the sport.

“The beauty of mountain bikes is that compared to road race bikes, it’s a lot cheaper, and with the sort of races we have, you can get away with them. We want to get a track out in the country and bikes will be provided and we take kids there so we can see the talent,” he said.

Proceeds from the triathlon will go to the Treasure Beach Foundation, which is a non-profit organisation that promotes education, sports, cultural heritage and environmental awareness in Treasure Beach.

Managing director of Wisynco Trading, William Mahfood, said his company has been a proud sponsor of the meet over the years and fully supports the aim of development in that side of the island.

“One of the things is that it’s a part of the island that has great community spirit. Jake’s triathlon also does a lot for that community, so it’s a holistic approach to how you involve the community in sporting activities.

“It also brings people down there from over the island… from overseas because it’s a tourist property,” he said.

Mahfood asserted that two of Wisynco’s prominent brands — Wata and Nature Valley — will be available as refreshments for competitors and spectators alike.

“We bring our brands to be a part of something that is very exciting and community-oriented. Our company’s vision is to improve the lives of our people and this (competition) does that.

“It improves the athletes who participate from a health and wellness point of view, so it has multiple applications,” he told the Sunday Observer.