MALDWYN Leisure Centre hosted the ninth annual junior triathlon camp initiative last month.

The two day event was organised by Powys Sports Development Sports Development Unit in conjunction with Maldwyn Harriers Athletics Club, Hafren Cycling Club and Newtown Swimming Club who combined to provide 25 coaches across the disciplines.

A total of 44 children between the ages of 9 and 16 took part in the scheme from across Powys.

Katie Hamer-Grew of Sport Powys said: “The participants were first class as where the volunteers.

“A big thank you to all the club volunteers involved, as well as the students for their time they put into this fantastic scheme.

It is hoped that the young athletes will now go on to join the Maldwyn Leisure Centree based Maldwyn Harriers Athletics Club which train every Wednesday from 6pm, Newtown Swimming Club, which train every Tuesday from 6pm and Hafren Cycling Club with meet every Thursday from 6pm..

Meanwhile Ben Benson of Llanfyllin won the over 13s boys competition in 34:30, ahead of Llanidloes trio Cerwyn Hayes-Gamble, Morgan Hughes and Rocca Jerman while Welshpool’s Maddie Griffiths won the girls event in 32:03 after seeing off the challenge of Machynlleth’s Nadia Francis-Jones in 33:46.

Newtown’s Max Bufton won the boys 11-12 age group in 22:23 with Machynlleth’s Finlay Thapa and Llanfyllin’s Matthew Benson completing the podium.

Welshpool’s Mackenzie McCourt topped the girls event in 25:48 with Welshpool’s Tayia Griffiths and Llandiloes’ Sofia Brandon-Higgs in pursuit.

Welshpool’s Elliot Turner won the boys 9-10 age group in 15:09 with Xander Brandon-Higgs of Llanidloes second and Christopher Benson of Llanfyllin ending third.

Maddie Hughes of Llanidloes won the girls 9-10 event in 18:00 with Newtown’s Alice Joyce second and Bethan Stephens of Welshpool third.