Active Nation has launched a new signature event designed to get more children active.

The 'Active Nation Kids Tryathlon' is a series of events running throughout summer 2011 to encourage young people to be more active. However, these won't be ordinary triathlons! They will be TRYathlons... because it's all about having a go and trying something new.

To kick start the event series in style 275 children attended the first Tryathlon at the Outdoor Sports Centre in Southampton on Monday 27th June.

Along with the TRYathlon events of Hockey, Cycling and Running, children were also able to take part in Street Sports, Cricket, Football, Ringos, Golf, Tennis, Netball and an inspirational talk by Peter Hull MBE.

The emphasis of the events is on fun and personal achievement rather than competition. The purpose is to encourage children to have a go at something different and challenging that will help them to build their self-esteem and give them the confidence to try other activities in the future, building the habit of exercise!

Matt Wale, Tryathlon Project Manager in Southampton, commented: "In 2010, 20.2% of all children living in Southampton aged 11 years old were recorded and measured as being obese. The Active Nation Kids Tryathlon offers children a unique opportunity to try and enjoy a wide range of activities with the aim to persuade them to become more active and to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle."

Active Nation will be running TRYathlon events in two other regions this summer aiming to reach a total of 1,000 children aged 9 - 12 years in the first year. Events will take place in Lincoln (Yarborough Leisure Centre) on Monday 18th July and Abingdon (The White Horse Leisure and Tennis Centre) on Thursday 15th September.

The series is set to expand rapidly with more events planned for the future.