The Tribune

THE Treasure Cay Beach, Marina & Golf Resort will host The 2012 Great Abaco Family Fitness Weekend starting Friday. The three-day event has something for everyone and has already attracted participants from Nassau, Freeport, Abaco, and Florida. The first event in the series is a 1-mile open water swim. This event will take place in the crystal clear waters of the Treasure Cay beach, rated one of the Top 10 beaches in the world in a reader poll by Caribbean Travel & Life. This takes place on Friday afternoon at 5pm, and is followed by an awards presentation and welcome reception at the Coco Beach Bar with refreshments provided by Sands Beer. An energy-boosting pasta buffet will follow for participants, their families, supporters, volunteers, and staff. The Triathlons will take place on Saturday. There are three triathlons to choose from: a Sprint Triathlon which consists of a 500m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run; an Olympic Triathlon which consists of a 1500m swim, 40km bike, and 10km run; a Junior Triathlon for those under 16 years old, with a 150m swim, 5km bike, and 2km run. Relay teams are welcomed and encouraged to join for any of the triathlons - teams can be 2 or 3 people, all male, all female, or a mixture of both. Afterward, join the GAFFW for a fun-filled awards ceremony on Saturday night when the Coco Beach Bar will host a "Bahamian Night" complete with live Bahamian entertainment as presentations for the day's events will be made. Sunday morning brings the final event, a 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk. This event is open to all ages and walks of life, and families are encouraged to participate. The run/walk starts at 8am from the Coco Beach Bar parking lot in Treasure Cay. An awards presentation will be held immediately following the event. There are many prizes to be won, and many categories in which to compete. The GAFFW would like to thank sponsors and supporters for offering a range of fantastic prizes for the event, including John Bull and Luminox who have provided his and her watches for the top male and female competitors. Cycles Unlimited and Jamis have also teamed up to provide a Citizen bicycle for the event. The Dolphin Beach Resort has donated a three-night stay. Other prizes have been furnished by supporters of the event such as Cracker P's and A Salt Weapon Fishing Charters. Participants' numbers will be drawn for these and other prizes as well, meaning everyone has a chance to win regardless of their ability. Each registered participant will also receive a t-shirt and a finisher's medal. The beneficiaries of the event are Friends of the Environment, the Rotary Club of Abaco, and the Abaco Swim Club.