The Shawnee Mission Triathlon has been around for 32 years now in the Kansas City multisport race calendar. That’s 32 years of swimming, biking and running at Shawnee Mission Park. Recently, Open Options has taken on the responsibility of title sponsor for the event.
Open Options seeks to become the premier provider of supports and services for people with disabilities, signifying quality, innovation, and person-centered principles. They are committed to ensuring the sustainability and growth of their organization and are driven by a ceaseless desire to improve. The people they employ will be engaged, dedicated, and invested in their mission.
The race has been put on by the Johnson County Parks & Recreation District (JCPRD) for 32 consecutive years. Over 700 triathletes from beginner to seasoned annually swim-bike-run on the completely closed, USAT sanctioned and paratriathlete-friendly course.
This closed course event offers a Short Triathlon Course (Sprint Distance), a Long Triathlon Course (International Distance), and a Duathlon Course for a wide range of national athletic racing talent. The Long Course is a .62 mile (1000 meter) swim, 18 mile bike (4 laps) and a 4.5 mile run. The Short Course is a .31 mile (500 meter) swim, 9 mile bike (2 laps), and a 3.1 mile run. The Duathlon Course is a 3.1 mile run, a 13.5 mile (3 laps) bike, and a 3.1 mile run.
Open Options would like to remind you that since their participation, they have developed teams for athletes to compete with in the spirit of helping team captains. As the final part of triathlon registration, triathlon participants will join a team on the Open Options team captain page. Team captains, who represent the people served by Open Options, provide encouragement, inspiration and gratitude to their team members through emails, videos and social media. Also, they will be present on event day to meet their teams and hand out finisher’s medals.
A friendly fundraising competition among the seven teams is moderated by the team captains on the Open Options team captain page. You’re invited to make a donation toward your team’s goal of $1,000 and encourage your friends and family to do so, too. While not mandatory for participation, your donation is greatly appreciated – 100 percent of dollars raised go directly to Open Options and make a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities.
This installment of the Team Spotlight will be on Team Red, Captained by Sheryl.
Sheryl is a vibrant and fun-loving woman who receives residential services from Open Options. She loves to sing karaoke, put together jigsaw puzzles and spend time with friends and family.
A music lover, Sheryl likes listening to Johnny Cash and Reba McEntire. She also looks forward to seeing David Cook in concert!
In addition, Sheryl is a recent retiree, and with her extra free time she is excited to pursue and expand her interests through taking classes and volunteering. She also enjoys shopping and trips to the park and Union Station. Stay updated on Michaels’s team HERE on the Open Options website.
