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

Kate Courtney Announces Scholarship for NICA Student-Athletes

The Sparkle On Scholarship presented by Kate Courtney in partnership with SCOTT, Syncros, SRAM, and RockShox will recognize student-athletes who have demonstrated academic and athletic excellence during their time with NICA and plan to attend college and continue mountain bike racing.

This scholarship will be awarded to four seniors from NICA leagues and consist of a monetary award of $10,000 each and mentorship in the form of quarterly calls with Kate during their first year of college and career mentoring through SRAM.

The Sparkle On Scholarship is open to NICA student-athletes graduating high school who will attend college for the 2021-22 academic year and who are seeking to balance mountain bike racing with college studies. Applications will be available March 1st. Information and FAQs can be found HERE. Also, in case you missed it, check out Kate’s video announcement.

Meet the Tallahassee Thunder

In celebration of Black History Month, we’d like to introduce you to the Tallahassee Thunder Composite Team. They’re making waves in their first season with the Florida League as they are focused on inclusivity, equity and getting #morekidsonbikes across the greater Tallahassee community. Learn more about the team HERE.