At the waterline of Compo Beach in Westport, over 200 athletes charged into the Long Island Sound and began the annual 2019 Fairfield County Bank Westport Kiwanis Triathlon on Sept. 8, 2019. The participants were prepared for the 0.5-mile swim, 5.5-mile bike ride and a 2.2-mile run that constituted the event. 

“It’s a great race because it’s right here in Westport, the beach swim is amazing and it’s a short quick race,” participant Michael Hannon said. 

After years of competing in the event, Hannon was excited to finish first place in his division.  

The triathlon also hosted 23 teams, including My Team Triumph. In bright red jerseys, they were united in the desire to help people with disabilities who would most likely not have been able to participate in the event on their own. 

“It’s about inclusion, it’s about everyone being able to be in the race,” mother of a My Team Triumph captain, Markley Rizzi, said. 

Kids that are considered captains of the team have physical or mental disabilities while the angels—people that run alongside—help push the chairs and aid in pulling captains in boats during the 0.5-mile swim. 

“So many of the kids today were able to participate in all three legs of the relay, which is amazing,” Rizzi said. 

My Team Triumph not only emphasizes acceptance, commitment and empowerment but it strives to create an environment in which relationships flourish between team members. 

With participant after participant and team after team, spirits were high when they crossed the finish line in front of the beach restaurant, Joey’s by the Shore. The general feeling among racers was enjoyment and satisfaction after completing the annual race.

“From the start to the finish, I enjoyed it,” a participant said.

Gallery • 3 Photos

One of the 200 competing participants runs across the beach during the culminating 2.2-mile run at the end of the event. Photo by Lauren Hassell '20