By Zjan Shirinian

The "New Athletes Generation" project is aiming to attract young Armenians to triathlon ©ETUFebruary 19 – The Armenian Triathlon Federation (ATF) is aiming to attract children to the sport through the launch of a new youth development programme.

The first stage of the "New Athletes Generation" project has begun with the help of a development grant from the European Triathlon Union.

"This is very exciting programme for our country which has been launched along with our neighbouring countries," said ATF President Hrachya Avetisyan.

"The aim of the Federation is to start new groups of kids aged between eight and 11 and 11 to 14 and raise awareness of triathlon by introducing them to the three disciplines.

"Training sessions have already started.

"This is a long term project which we hope will serve our Federation well and enrol more children in triathlon."

Avetisyan is also turning his focus towards Armenia's existing youth triathletes, as they look to compete in the Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China in August.

The ATF is supporting two athletes it hopes can qualify for the event.

No Armenian has competed in either the men's or women's race at the Olympics since the triathlon made its Games debut at Sydney 2000.

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