2006 Danskin Triathlon
The Group's 1st Event!
In addition to our extended event schedule, we have expanded our volunteer sprit by organizing a clothing and item drive for the Alpha House of Tampa - http://www.alphahouseoftampa.org - an organization that provides shelter for pregnant women in the community. We continue to volunteer at many sports events, including The Great Westchase; kids triathlons (www.racesaregreat.com); and adult Sprint, Olympic and Ironman events.
The Westchase TriGals started informally September, 2005. A group of women, led by veteran triathlete and chief motivator, Hillary Tucker, started training together with their sights set on making it to the 2006 Danskin Women's Series Triathlon that May or the Subaru Triathlon in June. Most of the women (a group of about 20) had never raced before, and many hadn't been active in sports in recent years. Others were proficient in one of the sports, but not the other two. Only a handful had tried all three, and they, along with Tucker, led the group to their first race. Every TriGal at the starting line at both races finished - and was cheered on by her friends and teammates. Since its informal beginnings, the group has grown into a larger entity, now hoping to give back to the community which has done so much to support it. The TriGals incorporated in June of 2006 and became a non-profit corporation. Funds raised before races and a percentage of membership dues will be given to the Westchase Community Foundation, which supports ill children and their families living in Westchase. http://www.westchasefoundation.org
As we grow, we are maturing in our training, team spirit and volunteerism. In 2008, we have our members competing (some for the first time) in the following events:
