Triathlon New Zealand is delighted to announce that SUBWAY restaurants is to be the official naming rights partner to the 'SUBWAY Triathlon New Zealand Youth Academy'.

SUBWAY restaurants has for some time been heavily involved in sport, primarily cycling and multisport with their sponsorship of SUBWAY Pro Cycling Team Richard and Elina Ussher, and 17-year-old Danielle McKenzie

SUBWAY New Zealand Head of Marketing David Herrick is looking forward to an involvement in one of New Zealand's fastest growing sports.

"SUBWAY has been in New Zealand since 1995 and in keeping with our focus on fresh healthier food options we have always looked to align ourselves with successful and healthy partners.

"Triathlon is not only a fast growing sport but a highly successful one and we are proud to have joined forces with the SUBWAY Triathlon New Zealand Youth Academy, to produce the next champions to follow in the footsteps of Hamish Carter, Bevan Docherty and Andrea Hewitt."

Triathlon New Zealand Commercial Director Carl Jackson is pleased to have secured SUBWAY restaurants as an official partner to the sport and in particular to help in the area of Youth.

"We have been in discussions with SUBWAY restaurants for some time having identified them as a healthy and nutritious food partner and are thrilled to have them working alongside our Youth Academy.

"This has been a huge focus for the organisation in recent years under the guidance of Director of Coaching and Youth Development Manager Brett Reid as we ensure a strong and sustainable pathway for emerging talent. The partnership with SUBWAY restaurants will only further assist us in delivering worthwhile and effective programmes for the young talent coming through the ranks."

SUBWAY restaurants will also become one of a limited number of official suppliers to Triathlon New Zealand.

Since the companies arrival into New Zealand in 1995 SUBWAY restaurants has become a popular and well respected brand offering high quality product and great service and providing Kiwis with a fresh, fun and healthy choice. There are now over 240 franchised stores throughout the country.

SUBWAY restaurants also launched the School Lunches Programme, offering young Kiwis fresh, tasty and nutritious everyday choices. This programme is now in place in well over 100 schools throughout New Zealand.

SUBWAY restaurants continue to grow, and is now a major part of Kiwi culture serving happy and healthy Kiwis from Cape Reinga to Tiwai Point.

The SUBWAY Triathlon New Zealand Youth Academy was established with the goal to assist a select group of talented and dedicated young triathletes progress through to the High Performance Programme.

The current group receiving training, coaching support and resources through the programme are:

- Alana Lythe (Auckland

- Laura Steffens (Christchurch)

- Nicole van der Kaay (Taupo)

- Zac Barber (Christchurch)

- Troy McAllister (Winton)

- Tom McLaughlin (Hamilton)

- Jonty Morreau (Auckland)

- Tayler Reid (Gisborne)