Some of the local youngsters in action at the triathlon

The launch event for the Tata Kids of Steel triathlon series at Newham Leisure Centre last week, attracted 1,000 children from 16 different schools.

The mini-triathlon is the first of 24 similar events that will be staged throughout the country during the spring and summer, between the opening day at Newham on April 24, culminating in Scunthorpe on July 12.

The free event was organised by British Triathlon in partnership with Tata Steel in a bid to give eight to 13-year-olds the opportunity to compete in a triathlon, while encouraging children of all abilities to enter.

All contestants received a swim cap, T-shirt and gym sack to help boost their interest in sports, after a day spent cycling, running and swimming.

British Triathlon chief executive Zara Hyde Peters OBE said: “To see a thousand youngsters all enjoying triathlon in the Olympic Borough is fantastic.”

Since launching in 2007, more than 35,000 children from over 400 schools have taken part in Tata Kids of Steel events in a variety of locations throughout the United Kingdom.