REDS’ star Jamie Carragher has backed the renaming of this year’s Sefton Triathlon.

The popular annual event will commemorate Merseyside man John Hulley who helped bring about the modern Olympics – and it will now be known as the John Hulley Sefton Triathlon.
Carragher, patron of the event, was asked whether he was surprised a Liverpool man helped to establish a rough version of the modern Olympics and he said: "No, I’m not. With most things in sport you can trace some connection back to Liverpool.
"It’s brilliant that he is being remembered and is being recognised. I only found out about him a few months ago and it’s a great thing for this city. The Olympics, the biggest sporting event that we see every four years always has someone from Liverpool involved somewhere.
"It shows the passion that we have got for sport and this launch today is a perfect example of that."

One such Olympian who hopes to be taking part in the London 2012 Paralympics is tennis player Jamie Burdekin.

Burdekin, co-event patron, said: "It just goes to show what the people are like from Liverpool with their determination.
"John Hulley had a good idea what he wanted to do and he did it.
"As a Paralympian, I’m looking forward to London 2012 coming up. I hope to try and win a medal."

Hulley was one of the three founding fathers of the modern Olympic games which is credited to Pierre De Coubertin. He helped start Liverpool Athletics Club in 1861. The first Grand Olympic Festival was held at Mount Vernon Parade Ground, Liverpool, the next year. At the 1862 festival – which formed a significant part of the early history of organised athletics in Victorian England – Hulley helped to devise a programme of running, walking events, high jump, long jump, boxing, wrestling, fencing, gymnastics and many others. The list was close to what would become the modern Olympics when they began in 1896.

Due to Hulley’s efforts the Sefton Triathlon committee thought it would be appropriate to celebrate his legacy in the run-up to the 2012 London games.The triathlon event on Saturday, June 26 involves a 150m swim, 5km bike ride and 2.5km run along the coastline near Crosby Leisure Centre.

Carragher added: "The triathlon is a big community event and it’s great that it raises lots of money for charity. Thanks to the people involved for including my charity to be in it."It’s good for the people that take part because they do a little bit of training for it, which keeps them fit.."

Entry forms are available from St Mary’s College Sports Centre (924 3700) or download from www.seftontriathlon.co.uk

http://www.olympics.liverpoolheartbeat.com/htgb45bg.html