AMHERST, N.Y. - Jon Metz, Head Women's Triathlon Coach at Daemen College, announced a pair of upcoming events for local youths today.  The Daemen College triathlon program will host a youth clinic series this spring, and it will team with the Amherst Central School District to co-sponsor a Splash and Dash.

The youth triathlon clinic series will run for one hour (6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) every Wednesday evening beginning March 23 and running through April 27.  The newly-opened Academic and Wellness Center, a $5.6 million refurbished building across the street from Daemen's main campus, and Amherst Middle School will serve as the sites for the clinic series which is open to area youths from ages 7-15.

Participants will be exposed to all three areas of triathlon - swimming, biking and running.  They will be introduced to specific skill work in all all three aspects, including fundamentals of swimming for a triathlon, bike skills and techniques, basic running skills and drills, transition skills, pre-race preparations, the importance of good eating habits and hydration, and building compassion and making good decisions.

More details, including registration information can be found on the youth triathlon clinic series flyer.  Cost of the clinic series is $25 per participant.

The Splash and Dash will run on Saturday, April 30 beginning at 9 a.m. at Amherst Middle School.  It is also open to area youths from ages 7-15.  The Splash and Dash is a fun and fast-growing activity that combines running and swimming, and the focus of this event will be on participation rather than competition.  The aim is to further expose area youths to the exciting world of multisport.

More details can be found on the Splash and Dash informational flyer, and online registration is available.  Cost of the Splash and Dash is just $10.

The Daemen College triathlon program is in its inaugural season of existence, and Daemen is one of just a handful of schools nationwide to sponsor a varsity team in the sport which has been labeled an Emerging Sport for Women by the NCAA.  Daemen was one of 10 colleges and universities to receive the Women's Triathlon Emerging Sport Grant from USA Triathlon in 2015.  As part of the grant conditions, Daemen is required to help promote the sport of triathlon through youth activities such as the clinic series and Splash and Dash.

Information on all Daemen's youth sports camps and clinics can be found at daemen.edu/sportscamps.