Life Time Foundation To Support National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) Initiatives To Get More Kids On Bikes
Three-year grant focused on making cycling more accessible to underserved and underrepresented youth
ORINDA, Calif. (February 20, 2024) – The Life Time Foundation is providing a three-year grant to the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) to bring youth mountain biking programs to communities that have not traditionally participated in or had access to the sport. With this support, NICA will extend even more opportunities to girls and student-athletes of color to experience the transformative power of mountain biking, building self confidence, connecting to the outdoors, and making life-long friendships.
NICA develops interscholastic and community-based cycling programs for student-athletes and coaches across the United States, with an underlying mission to develop strong minds, bodies, character and communities through the sport of cycling. "We believe in the transformative power of the bike and its potential as a tool for youth development," said Amanda Carey, NICA's President. "Our inclusive programs welcome student-athletes of all skill levels and abilities.. NICA has no bench, and no tryouts. Everyone gets to ride!"
The Life Time Foundation grant will impact NICA's 32 leagues across the United States, benefitting more than 24,000 students who are served by 14,000 coaches.
"Cycling has not traditionally been a diverse or inclusive sport. NICA recognizes this and has intentionally made changes to increase the number of girls and women on bikes through its Girls Riding Together initiative. This attention and investment has resulted in a 5% increase in female student-athletes participating in our programs over a five-year period. With the Life Time Foundation's support, we aim to apply the lessons we learned there to a broader DEI focus, inviting more student-athletes and coaches of color to join the youth cycling movement," said Carey.
Both organizations share a common interest in ensuring the well-being of all kids by encouraging physical activity and movement. "We're proud to be a long-time NICA supporter and welcome the opportunity to encourage more youth to experience the wonderful world of cycling," said Sarah Emola, Life Time Director of ESG Programs and the Life Time Foundation. "Our respective missions are rooted in encouraging all children to be healthy and active, and providing all kids the opportunity to adopt a life-long love for cycling and outdoor activity supports this objective."
