By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
Hot off the heels of her pickleball tournament fundraiser, Miss Emery Teen Hallie Frandsen is back at it, now preparing to host a triathlon fundraiser. Holding the same goal of making athletics accessible to everyone, Frandsen joined the KOAL newsroom to preview the event and share the message behind the meet.
Opening our discussion, Frandsen spoke on the pickleball fundraiser, which saw over 40 people register. “We raised over $1,500 for kids to be able to play sports, and that was enough to bring five girls teams and I think four boys teams, so that was amazing.”
Looking at the triathlon, Frandsen shared what inspired her to pursue the fundraiser,” I love to swim and I love to bike, and so I thought this would be a really good opportunity for our community’s kids to be able to try something new.” She continued,” I remember when I was little, I did one or two triathlons and I absolutely loved it. And so I want to be able to give kids that opportunity to find something that they enjoy as well.”
“The biggest thing is just to get kids to be active and find something new that they love,” shared Frandsen. “What’s good about this is that if you don’t really know that you can swim well, we have life jackets available. It’s just supposed to be fun. We have trophies for everyone, we have snacks and for the little kids, your parents can even come and run beside you so you have someone with you.”
The event is currently seeking volunteers to assist with setup and monitoring. You can volunteer by contacting (435)-749-2928.
Frandsen also discussed the biggest impact she has seen from her work in the community,” I think just people having a good time. When I was at the pickleball tournament, people were just there to have fun. And yes, you had the competitive ones, and that makes it all the better, right? But it was just a good way to get people active, meet new people and have a good time. And so that’s what I’m hoping to do for the younger generation.”
Closing our conversation, Frandsen stated,” Just to be prepared to be tired and exhausted. But that’s the good part about being active, it drains you physically, but then also makes you feel so much better.”
The Miss Emery Teen Triathlon Fundraiser takes place on Friday, Sept. 12, at 4:30 p.m. at the Emery County Aquatic Center. Preregistration is encouraged; to do so, contact (435)-749-2928.
