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August 07, 2014 - 4:39 PM
PENTICTON - Chris Hawkins is no stranger to triathlon races — being a four-time Ironman participant he knows the importance of pre-race preparation, such as rest, good diet and peace and quiet.
That’s why last year, Hawkins, his wife (also a triathlete) and their two young daughters hosted professional athlete Chris Bagg and his wife for a week during Challenge Penticton.
“It’s always rewarding to give a pro an environment that’s conducive to getting ready for a big race,” Hawkins said.
Their family home has a basement suite with a full kitchen, which allowed the Baggs to cook their own food and have as much space as they needed.
The Baggs will stay with the Hawkins again this year when they come to Penticton from their home in Portland, Oregon for the Challenge race.
“It’s great ‘cause they’re wonderful people, they were great with our girls… first class people,” Hawkins said.
His advice for anyone interested in the home-stay program for Challenge this year is to “be open minded to allow people to come into your home and give back to people who’ve trained hard and appreciate a comfortable pace to get ready for a big day.”
Those interested in hosting can fill out a questionnaire, or contact Kelly Hopkins at Challenge Penticton.
To contact the reporter for this story, email Meaghan Archer at marcher@infotelnews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.
News from © iNFOnews, 2014