Norwich is set to be a triathlon Training Camp venue for the 2012 Olympic Games, with facilities appearing in the official pre-Games Training Camp Guide. In recognition of that link and prospect ‘Wind Water and Wheels’ was organised as a fun mini-triathlon. Triathlon is also one of the fastest growing sports in the country, from participation to elite level. In fact Leeds University student Alistair Brownlee is not only the reigning world U23 Triathlon champion, but is currently leading the 2009 senior men’s ITU World Rankings! Members of the public were given the chance to try their hand at three activities: rowing (on concept II machines), canoeing (on ergo machines) and cycling (on Watt bikes) with the help of sports students and gym instructors from City College Norwich.

Visitors and shoppers passing by had the opportunity to have their Body Mass Index (BMI) measured, take a handheld body fat test, have their blood pressure tested and undergo a general fitness check. The checks were conducted by City College Norwich gym instructors, who encouraged people to consider their personal health and fitness before trying out up-to-the-minute exercise machines. The main emphasis was on having fun and finding out about new activities for a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Speaking before the event Dick Palmer, Principal of City College Norwich said, “I am really excited by the Wind, Water and Wheels event. It is an opportunity to show that sport, exercise and healthy living is for everyone – you don't have to be an Olympic athlete to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. I hope that local people will be inspired to come along and have a go at the activities, have fun, and perhaps make the decision to take up a new sporting activity".

London 2012 Open Weekend was made up of hundreds of events all over the UK, many of which involved colleges and universities. ‘Wind, Water and Wheels’ along with all the other Open Weekend events enabled everyone to share in the excitement of the Games, be inspired to get involved, unleash their creativity and try something new in sport, art and culture.

London 2012 is the first Organising Committee to create such a wide platform of public participation in the Games, taking the values, ideals and benefits of the Games to people and communities like never before. City College Norwich grasped the opportunity of Open Weekend 2009 to encourage participation, reach out to the local community and be part of making to a success of the 2012 Games.