In conjunction with the Vietnam International Triathlon, Tribob have implemented a community Learn-to-Swim Program in Hoi An. Over the course of the 4-month program, we are teaching around 400 local children to swim as well as basic water safety skills which will help save their lives.  We are also teaching local school teachers the skills they will need to continue children’s swimming lessons in the future.

Drowning is the biggest cause of death among children in Vietnam, killing around 15,000 children (40 a day) under 15 years old each year. Around 80% of Vietnam's population live in rural areas of Vietnam where waterways, especially during the wet season, cause severe flooding, increasing potential drowning risks. Children in remote communities are particularly vulnerable as they often walk or cycle long distances, unaccompanied by adults, to attend school.

While organising the Vietnam International Triathlon in 2007 we realised that, despite the town’s coastal location and annual flooding, the local children do not know how to swim. Local families are poor and swimming lessons are an unaffordable luxury. It became obvious that teaching these children to swim could really make a long term positive impact on the local community.

We consequently decided that a share of the sponsorship revenue raised for the Triathlon would be allocated to teaching swimming to local kids. Milo Vietnam (Nestle Group) have been so far the main financial contributor to this project.

The local community is all too aware of the dangers their children face from the nearby sea and waterways and are very enthusiastic about the project. The Hoi An Beach Club and Hoi An Trails Resort are allowing us to use their pools for the lessons.  Without their support, this worthy project would not be possible.

If you wish to donate any equipment for the project, particularly children’s swimming goggles, kickboards or suntan lotion, please contact Jo Stewart on Joanne@tribob.com.  Mobile: +84 (0)35728960. 

We are now considering pursuing this program and extending it to other parts of Vietnam if the corporate sponsorship funds raised for the 2008 Triathlon allow us to do so.

Besides saving lives, your support of the Vietnam International Triathlon will help us to raise awareness of the sport of Triathlon in Vietnam and foster a new generation of kids who consider sport and fitness, in particular swimming, a way of life.

PROJECT UPDATE - FEBRURY 08.

PROJECT UPDATE - JUNE 08.

Please contact nathalie@tribob for more information on the Vietnam International Triathlon corporate sponsorship.