Sponser puts money and muscle on the line

Not only was Carters a main sponsor of this year’s Mangawhai Triathlon on February 8, but the fitness-conscious store also entered a couple of teams in the event.

Manager Mark Holman said that the idea of taking part was first mooted during early sponsorship discussions with Sport Northland’s Otamatea district coordinator Bridgette Sampson.

“We were looking for a community event to sponsor and Bridgette suggested that we shouldn’t just take a passive interest, but should enter a team.”

Six of the 10 employees at the Mangawhai branch entered the triathlon, including Mr Holman, who did the 17 kilometre cycle. None had entered a triathlon before, and were relaxed about their training, but aware of basic requirements such as the need to keep hydrated and how to manage transition stages.

The store is enrolled in Sport Northland’s active workplace challenge, aimed at getting staff more active. Entering the triathlon fitted well with achieving outcomes promoted by the scheme, such as improved fitness, better health and a culture of activity at work.
Before embarking on the challenge, employees completed activity surveys which threw up some interesting facts, from a manager’s point of view, Mark said.

“One thing I discovered was that people weren’t good at taking breaks, particularly when the store was busy, and how this affects energy levels, customer service and impacts on productivity. Taking breaks relieves stress and reduces the risk of accidents in the workplace.”

As a company, Carters has always placed high emphasis on health and safety at work, but Mark says that in the past, perhaps more weight was placed on the safety of staff, rather than on keeping them healthy.

“Through participation in the challenge, we’re bringing in a better balance between the two. We’re a bit of a lone voice in the company, but I’m hoping that other stores – there are 57 branches nationwide – will get on board.”

Carter’s of Mangawhai entered two teams into the recent triathlon. From left: Mark Holman, David Thomas, Tara Nolan, Nicky Meehan and Adrian Stowers. Absent was Gary Morris.