Chester’s Deva Divas celebrate winning a national award for ladies only race event

Dec 8 2009 Chester Chronicle

THE City of Chester Triathlon Club's ladies only sprint triathlon race has picked up a top national award.

Race organiser Sally Napthen attended the British Triathlon Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Hotel, West Midlands with her team and was delighted to find that the Divas 2009 race had triumphed in the face of stiff opposition from major events around the country.

“It is a great honour to be recognised in this way by the national governing body of the sport,” said Sally.

“We put on a very user-friendly race for competitors of all abilities and this includes a large contingent of complete novices.

“We get a significant proportion of ladies coming back each year to do Divas and they always bring friends with them.

“Every year we get immense satisfaction from the number of ladies who say that they would never have considered doing a triathlon had it not been for the coaching and helpfulness of the club members.

“It is also interesting to note that 33% of the membership of Chester Tri Club are women, a significant amount of them having entered the sport via the Deva Divas race.”

Prior to the event Sally organises a Beginners Seminar and three Training Days where the ladies can sample swimming in open water in Manley Mere and cycle the bike course in small groups accompanied by British Triathlon coaches as well as try the run which is around the lake.

“It is this level of support and commitment to the athletes which makes the Deva Divas a truly remarkable event,” said Chester Tri Club Captain Dave Taylor.

“Sally and her team of Trish Melton, Chris Morgan and Colin Wilson put their hearts and souls into the race and it is fitting that they have been applauded in this way.”

The 2010 Deva Divas event will be held on Sunday, July 18 and details of this and the other activities of Chester Triathlon Club can be found by visiting the club's website at www.chestertri.org.uk.