Competitors in the schools category of iconic multi-sport race the Coast to Coast received a further boost with New Zealand nutritional drink CHIA named as the official beverage sponsor of the School’s competition.
The growth of multisport at secondary school level saw the Coast to Coast officially sanctioned by the New Zealand Secondary School Sports Council in October.
Coast to Coast Event Director Richard Ussher said he thought it was ‘fantastic to have a socially responsible, all natural, New Zealand made product supporting the future champions of the sport.’
“CHIA is a fantastic endurance drink and it is a great fit for the Coast to Coast being a New Zealand company that is passionate about the outdoors and heathy living; I have no doubt the School’s competitors will love getting a CHIA when they cross the finish line,” he said.
 CHIA, the official beverage sponsor of the Schools competition of the Coast to Coast(Photo: CHIA; click to enlarge) |
CHIA Company Director Chloe Van Dyke said the Coast to Coast was an ‘iconic New Zealand event.’ “It’s an adventure, it encourages people to get outside of their comfort zone and push their limits both mentally and physically - this is what Chia is all about so it’s fantastic to be involved."
"CHIA was made for endurance and recovery but unlike other sports drinks CHIA is all natural and you don't get any more natural than the Coast to Coast."
Van Dyke said CHIA contains the hydrated chia seed which was used by the Tarahumara Indians of central Mexico, known for their ability to run long distances. CHIA contains electrolytes, omega 3, magnesium, calcium, iron, and complete protein. “For a long distance event your body needs more than sugar, salt, and caffeine. Chia helps replenish the nutrients your body is using," Van Dyke said.
The CHIA team are actively getting involved in the event with staff member David Ayre competing in the Longest day One Day World Championship event with Van Dyke saying he is out on the water before work each day and then on the bike after work, or running.
"Supporting the schools section of the Coast to Coast is awesome. Those who partake in this event will be the future movers and shakers in whatever they choose to do. I am thrilled that CHIA can be there to support them."
The official schools two day three person team’s category consists of one cyclist, one runner and one kayaker with the minimum age being lowered to 14 to compete.
The event has also heavily reduced entry fees for the official schools category; $750 for a team of three, making it very affordable for school aged competitors. There are also discounts for school students across of all the other sections.
Competitors still need to be 18 for the One Day Longest Day World Championship event and there were different age restrictions for other categories in the two day event.
