Shocking research shows that one in ten kids can’t swim

Children dipped both toes into the water as they took part in an interschool triathlon.

More than 100 Brent youngsters strapped on their trainers and went along to Willesden sports centre to try their hand at swimming, cycling and running.

The Tata Kids of Steel challenge was put on by Tata Steel and British Triathlon.

Research shows that take up of sports in Brent is worryingly low.

More than a third of Willesden children don’t own a bike while nearly three quarters own a games console, according to the findings. And more than on in ten can’t swim or ride a bike.

Throughout the course of the fun-packed day, nearly 1,000 children from local Brent schools swam, cycled and ran their way around their very first triathlon.

Each wannabe triathlete was awarded a medal in recognition of their efforts.

Tata Steel wants to provide at least 50,000 8-13 year olds with a positive experience of triathlon by 2012.