SWINDON Triathlon Club has been awarded British Triathlon Accreditation, TriMark Club Bronze - the first club in the south west to receive such an accolade.

The scheme, launched in April of this year, is for all community junior and senior clubs that have an established committee, recognised constitution and a membership offer open to those of all backgrounds.

Sara Tye, chair of Swindon Triathlon Club, said “This is a great achievement for the Swindon Triathlon Club.

“Getting the TriMark Club Bronze Accreditation just confirms how well the club has been, and is now, managed.

“Everyone on the committee volunteers, and to manage a club of three sporting disciplines of over 100 members at all levels from long-distance ironman through to sprints and all ages demonstrates the work that the committee puts in day in day out.

“A TriMark Club is recognised as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all genders and ages, that want to be involved in the sport of triathlon.

The Swindon club met the TriMark bronze criteria in areas such as club management, duty of care and welfare, activity programme and knowing your club and community Tye added: “Triathlon is a growth sport, and we have nearly 50 per cent female and male split.

“Additionally, this is a club run by coaches and triathletes with one goal - to help the members achieve and surpass their fitness goals and ambitions.

David Hooper, regional manager for Triathlon England, said: “I would like to congratulate the club on achieving the award, as it demonstrates that the club are operating within our set guidelines and offering a great programme of activities.”

Find out more about the club at swindontriathlonclub.co.uk.