Team Shaw members volunteer at the TriSumter triathlon, Sumter, S.C., Oct., 20, 2012. 15 Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base volunteered to help out with the event. The event consisted of a 300 yard swim, a 16 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Steven Dagnan, 337th recruiting squadron recruiter sets up a table with his Delayed Entry Program applicants at the TriSumter triathlon, Sumter, S.C., Oct. 20, 2012. 15 Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base volunteered to help out with the event.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Jessica Estrada, 20th Operational Weather Squadron weather forecaster, directs participants around a corner on the bike route at the TriSumter triathlon, Sumter, S.C., Oct. 20, 2012. 15 Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base volunteered to help out with the event.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Matt Knipen races on his bike during the cycling portion of the TriSumter triathlon, Sumter, S.C., Oct. 20, 2012. 15 Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base volunteered to help out with the event. The event consisted of a 300 yard swim, a 16 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
Bicycles sit on a rack at the TriSumter triathlon, Sumter, S.C., Oct. 20, 2012. 15 Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base volunteered to help out with the event. The event consisted of a 300 yard swim, a 16 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Nicole Sikorski/Released)
by Airman Nicole Sikorski
20th Fighter Wing/Public Affairs
10/23/2012 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- 15 Airmen from Shaw Air Force Base volunteered at the TriSumter triathlon at the Sumter Aquatics Center, Oct. 22.
Volunteers directed participants throughout the bicycle course and through the transition between the swimming and running courses.
The triathlon consisted of a 300 yard swim, a 16 mile bike ride and a 3.1 mile run through the city of Sumter.
Volunteers also handed out shirts and registered the athletes the night before the race at the TriSumter expo at the South Hope Center in Sumter.
Athletes arrived on the Saturday morning at 6:00 a.m. The race began at 8:30 a.m., and ended at 11:30 a.m. After the race was over the volunteers handed out prizes to the best athletes.
Volunteering helps Airmen connect with the local community, explained Airman 1st Class Jessica Estrada, 20th Operational Weather Squadron forecaster.
"There is a lot of motivation and perseverance in these athletes, and it's definitely inspirational to watch them and be a part of it," said Estrada. "It's great to participate in community events and show that we care about where we live."
Not only is it a way for Airmen to get involved but it strengthens the relationship between Shaw and the surrounding community.
"Having Shaw participate in the Triathlon this year was a wonderful addition to our partnerships," said Susan Wild, city of Sumter recreation programs and facilities director.
"We were very excited about not only having volunteers, but also new tri-athletes."
The TriSumter is held each year by the city of Sumter.
This year, there were 136 participants, 20 of which were active duty military.
You must be at least 12 years old to register for the TriSumter.
