Children line up and are ready to hit the deck for the 2018 Reston Splash and Dash, produced by CORE Foundation. Event proceeds benefited “Kids Helping Kids,” a CORE Foundation program that enables triathlon experiences for low-income youth. Photo by Mercia Hobson.
Early Sunday morning, Aug. 26, 150 children along with their family members arrived at Reston Association's Lake Audubon pool, 2070 Twin Branches Road for the 2018 Reston Youth Splash and Dash, a two-stage swim/run event. The CORE Foundation presented the inaugural participatory challenge as a noncompetitive aquathlon. The child's age determined the swim and run distances.
Doug Bushee, Board chair and founder of the CORE Foundation addressed the youth. "You are all Super Heroes, " he assured them. As the children lined up on the pool deck, Bushee urged the crowd to make some real "Reston noise."
Next, Bushee explained one of the purposes of the 2018 Reston Splash and Dash was to introduce young athletes to a multi-sport event, and while the theme of the aquathlon was Super Heroes, Bushee cautioned, "Not all super heroes wear capes."
Bushee called attention to and thanked the following Super Heroes who were not wearing capes: members of Reston Association, parents, lifeguards, Fairfax County police officers and sponsors who helped make the event possible. He gave special acknowledgment to all the volunteers and especially event organizer Taralyn Kohler and Mary Ellen Wolfe.
Proceeds from the 2018 Reston Splash and Dash would benefit the Core Foundation Program, “Kids Helping Kids.” Funds enable youth from low-income families to participate in triathlon experiences.