FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (June 17, 2014) – On Friday, June 13, Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce visited the Boys and Girls Club of Watertown to help encourage children to sign up for this year's New England Kids Triathlon and to take part in the first of 18 free training programs. The goal of these educational programs is to motivate kids to be active and live healthy lifestyles.

This summer, more than 1,000 kids ages six to 15 will gather on the campus of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass. on July 19 and 20 to take part in the largest triathlon ever held in New England. In partnership with the New England Kids Triathlon, this effort will make it possible for kids to receive the encouragement and one-on-one coaching necessary to become triathletes.

Boyce spoke to children about the importance of exercising for at least 60 minutes a day and also held a question and answer session with the crowd. Afterwards, he interacted with triathletes at four different training stations – biking, running, swimming and transitions.

There are two different types of programs being offered to children who wish to train for this year's triathlon. The first is a five week hands-on training course. These are hosted at 12 YMCA locations across New England. They are open to the public, offered at no cost and start the week of June 16, 2014. They include weekly sessions led by professional trainers to help kids gain the confidence they need to become triathletes.

"It is amazing that more than 300 kids have already registered for these programs," commented Linda Montoya, Sport and Recreation Director for the South Shore YMCA. "We are proud to partner with the Patriots to help kids build healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Of course, we have room for every child."

The second program is the one Boyce participated in – a three-hour, hands-on clinic. These are great opportunities for kids to learn more about triathlons. They are hosted at some of the top fitness facilities and clubs in New England, and they are offered to the public at no cost. Each session is led by one of the top triathletes in New England, and every participant will have the opportunity to swim, bike, run and practice transitions. "These clinics are so cool," exclaimed Chrissy Carroll, one of the clinic leaders. "I wish they had similar programs for adults when I was getting started in the sport. Kids should jump at this opportunity."

Josh Kraft, President of the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation, added, "These are great programs that support the goals of our NFL PLAY 60 program, and they encourage families to make positive decisions that will last a lifetime. This triathlon is a fun, exciting and healthy experience for everyone involved. We are looking forward to another great year of encouraging the next generation of Patriots fans to lead active lifestyles."

Upcoming training dates and locations include:
- June 21: Raynham Athletic Club in Raynham, Mass., 12:00pm – 3:00pm
- June 21: 24/7 Family Fitness in Stoughton, Mass., 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- June 21: Plymouth Fitness in Plymouth, Mass., 12:00pm – 3:00pm
- June 22: The Vanderbilt Club in Norwood, Mass., 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- June 28: Newton JCC in Newton, Mass., 2:00pm – 5:00pm
- June 29: Thoreau Club in Concord, Mass., 1:00pm – 4:00pm

For more information on the New England Kids Triathlon including registering for upcoming clinics and the triathlon in July, please visit www.newenglandkidstriathlon.org.