Dear Team NICA -
This month we celebrate Black History Month - and look to NICA student-athletes, coaches and teams who are making a positive impact in the NICA community to increase representation and diversity. Teams like Tallahassee Thunder, who partner with local community organizations exemplify NICA’s value of inclusivity and live up to our mission to get more kids on bikes. As an organization, NICA is staying focused on increasing diversity and being inclusive. Many of you may have recently received a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion survey and we are grateful for your input and feedback. This survey was designed to help us as a community create a baseline of understanding of our current culture and ultimately help everyone in our community feel valued and included.
We were thrilled this month to announce two new scholarship opportunities for NICA student-athletes. The Trek/NICA Pathfinders Scholarship, which will provide bikes, gear and financial support for 250 student-athletes from underrepresented communities to participate in NICA teams, leagues, races and events. The Sparkle On Scholarship, presented by NICA NorCal Alumna Kate Courtney with SCOTT, Syncros, SRAM and RockShox will provide support for graduating NICA Seniors pursuing higher education while continuing to race their mountain bike.
Several of our Spring Leagues are beginning to host activities in accordance with their local department of health guidelines and we wish them all the best for a safe season. We realize that some leagues are still not able to come together as we normally would and hope that you continue to get out with your teams to ride and participate in league activities keeping our values of fun, inclusivity, equity, respect, and community on the top of your minds!
With Gratitude,
Steve