More than 50 athletes were at the starting line of the third edition of the X-triathlon in Venray on Sunday. The triathlon is organized for people with disabilities.
Organizer Klaas van Beuren: “We want people with and without disabilities to experience what it is like to exercise together.”
Triathlon
The triathlon consists, as usual, of swimming, cycling and running. Special bicycles and wheelchairs are used by the participants during the competition to cross the finish line. About 40 ‘buddies’ support the athletes during the event.
‘Like a bird’
Participant Aythç Çelebi says he feels ‘as light as a bird’ in the water. “If you don’t swim, you’re heavy, and now I can go in the pool.” According to the participant, the triathlon is important for both having fun and participating in society.
Organizer Van Beuren is also enthusiastic about the event. “Everyone, at their own level, is doing great,” he observed on Sunday.