News

Editorial: Triathlon holds potential far beyond sports


Published: December 1, 2008

Gloucester has a long and proud sports tradition, from the successes of Gloucester High School teams, to cycling events, the 25k New England road race held each Labor Day weekend, and the schooner races that are part of that festival. But last week's announcement of the inaugural Gloucester Triathlon has the potential for giving Gloucester a positive spotlight it's rarely enjoyed before.

The planned Aug. 9 triathlon is an excellent fund-raiser for the Gloucester Fishermen's Athletic Association, and for Wellspring House. But beyond that, it's a classic chance for the city to put forward its best face for visiting competitors and fans, and for viewers around New England and beyond who may catch some kind of media coverage of an elite sports event.

Our hats are off to organizers Janda Ricci-Munn and race director Bill Burnett, both top-notch triathletes in their own right, and to Gloucester Fishermen's Athletic Association officials Dick Wilson, Jonathan Pope and Tim Philpott, who have also played key roles locally in pulling this project together. This event deserves a prominent spot on the Gloucester 2009 events calendar — and hopefully, for many years to come.