Oh the Places You’ll Go at the Kids Triathlon

by Gene Bonetti, Fitness Director and organizer of the Kids Triathlon.

What is it like when you feel a sense of accomplishment, especially when you’re between the ages of 6-13 years old?  Is it the pride you might feel when you’ve climbed the highest mountain? The joy of getting an A on that impossible math test?

If you ask any participant in the Katz JCC Kids Triathlon, they would tell you, crossing the finish line gives them a sense of accomplishment.

This year the Katz JCC is celebrating the15^th year of the Kid’s Triathlon, one of South Jersey’s premier kid’s events.  Being a part of the Fitness & Wellness department and growing up as an active kid, I created the Katz JCC Kid’s Triathlon back in 2003 (due to a JCC expansion, there was one year we did not have the event).

I wanted to give children their own event that promoted being active, provided a little healthy competition, was fun and could also give them a sense of achievement. This Kids Triathlon also unites the community, as we see families cheer on their kids, grandkids, brothers and sisters on the course.

For 14 years, this heart-healthy event has been a staple in the South Jersey community, and this year will pay tribute to a dedicated member of the Katz JCC family that was lost too soon.  Event shirt colors, in previous years, have changed from red to green to blue and every color in between. This year’s shirts will be gold and black to honor beloved long-time JCC Fitness & Wellness staff member Dominic “Dom” Presutti III, a devout Steelers fan, who passed away unexpectedly in February of this year.

Dom started his career at the JCC in 2011, where he quickly became one of the memorable faces at the Fitness & Wellness Control Desk. He would greet each and every person that walked by and would take the time to get to know about JCC members on a personal level.

Dom was an amazing guy. He had an awesome personality that lit up the Fitness & Wellness department when you entered. He is sorely missed by staff and members alike. While the t-shirt color is a small gesture, we wanted to do something special in honor of his memory.

May Dom’s memory be a blessing and we hope to see you at the finish line!

(Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Visit katzjcc.org/tri to register.)