The City of Penticton says residents should get prepared as the countdown for the 10 day long International Triathlon Union Multisport Championships continues.

(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

PENTICTON - The call is out to get involved as the City of Penticton prepares to host a major sports event.

Community Engagement Specialist JoAnne Kleb says the International Triathlon Union Multisport World Championships Festival is expected to bring 3,500 athletes and 4,000 supporters to the city for the 10 day event.

Kleb says citizens can get involved in the event in many ways, including through volunteering.

Those wishing to volunteer can sign up for one or more of 1,800 volunteer positions at penticton 2017.com.

Residents are encouraged to participate in the event through the open wave division, which allows participants to register in the aquathlon, aqua bike, cross triathlon, sprint duathlon, standard duathlon and long distance triathlon as an open wave athlete.

The festival is expected to draw such a large number of participants and spectators, activity levels and service demands in the city are anticipated to be high. Residents should check for temporary road closures through the event as well as transit route changes. Residents might want to consider stocking up on groceries and other essentials before the festival, in addition to anticipating higher passenger volumes at the airport.

Organizers of the multisport festival have also put together events for the community. Check Penticton.ca  for more information on plans for a street dance, kid’s triathlon, family fun run and athlete’s parade.

“I hope residents will plan on enjoying the festival and making it part of their summer vacation. This is the first time the International Triathlon Union has combined world championships for their six events in one location. We can be very proud to have been selected to hold the festival,” says Mayor Andrew Jakubeit, noting the city has a rich tradition of hosting world-class triathlon events.

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