Leeds Beckett hosts Yorkshire Ability Triathlon for third year

Leeds Beckett University's Headingley Campus has played a big role in the gold-medal laden paralympic careers of Dame Sarah Storey and Kadeena Cox (MBE), and has provided a training base for Team GB's golden generation of triathletes including the Brownlee brothers, Alex Yee, Beth Potter and Georgia Taylor-Brown.

And for the third year the track and pool used by those legends hosted the Yorkshire Ability Triathlon, a unique, inclusive sporting event designed to celebrate participation, fun and achievement for children and young people of all abilities.

Fifty triathletes aged 6-18 with neurodivergent or physical disabilities took part, swimming, cycling and running in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The children enjoyed the swimming pool and swimming lengths, riding or scooting around the running track on bikes and adapted bikes, and finally a run, jog or walk to the end.

With no fixed distances or times, the focus was on taking part and enjoying the day. Participants go at their own pace, with volunteers on hand to provide one-to-one support, adapted equipment, and encouragement throughout the event. Quiet rooms offered respite for anyone needing space to decompress during the day.

Organisers are calling for more families to sign up for next year and take part in what they hope will be the event's biggest year yet.

Richard Mostyn-Jones, Co-Founder of the Yorkshire Ability Triathlon, said: "In our third year running the Yorkshire Ability Triathlon, we were delighted to have our largest number yet, of 50 children with disabilities and additional needs taking part in the day. These inspirational children really do prove that sport is for all and anything is possible.

"With the support of Leeds Beckett University we have been able to create an event that is accessible to groups of the community who otherwise would have thought achieving a triathlon would not have been possible. We see no reason why The Ability Triathlon series cannot be rolled out to other regions around the country and remain very excited about doing this in the future."

Since its launch in 2023, the triathlon has become a highlight in the region's inclusive sports calendar, offering young people a rare opportunity to experience the joy of multisport events in a safe and accessible setting.

Laura Weightman, Beckett Sport Junior Athletics Coordinator, said: "I'm delighted that Junior Athletics can support the Yorkshire Ability Triathlon. This year, one of our coaches supported the event and introduced children to para-athletics.

"We're currently supporting England Athletics Street to Stadium programme, which aims to identify and develop talented individuals in athletics. As part of this, we will be running weekly coached athletics sessions that are open to all children eligible for the para-athletics pathway.

"Athletics is for everyone, and it's fantastic that Beckett Sport is able to provide these inclusive opportunities."

If you want to discuss which sporting opportunities at Carnegie Junior would be suitable for your child, get in touch now on beckettsportjuniors@leedsbeckett.ac.uk

Confirmed date for 2026: Sunday 17th May. Visit the Yorkshire Ability Triathlon website for more information on next year's event or email them on YorkshireChair@triathlonengland.org