If there’s one word I can use to describe the sentiment after participating in NICA’s 8th Annual National Conference in Arkansas in late June, it is definitely “Wow!” This year’s conference was our largest yet, with over 150 attendees including league leadership, coach supporters and event production staff, and after having spent five days in Bentonville, Arkansas with this group of enthusiastic individuals, I am excited about the current and future state of NICA across the United States. Due to our gracious host, the Arkansas Interscholastic Cycling League and Visit Bentonville, participants had the opportunity to enjoy some fantastic rides on trails starting from downtown Bentonville. Likewise, through the leadership of Kyla Templeton, Arkansas League Director, and her team of parent volunteers, conference attendees were able to meet and mingle with local Arkansas League students and coaches. It is easy to see that this is a community that has truly embraced the sport of mountain biking and integrated it into the fabric of their everyday lives.
As you’ll read below, at this year’s conference, thanks to support from the Walton Family Foundation, we launched a new program, Girls Riding Together (GRiT), aimed to get #moregirlsonbikes. Also, again through support from the Walton Family Foundation and REI, we are re-energizing our Teen Trail Corps trail stewardship program. Amazing guest speakers, such as John Burke, President of Trek Bicycles, helped energize and inspire NICA leadership to grow the sport of youth mountain biking. Mr. Burke also announced Trek’s strengthened partnership with NICA to support creation of new NICA leagues, bolster the efforts of current leagues and enhance our coach licensing and training programs.
This month, we are also recognizing our 2017 NICA National Award recipients and welcoming THREE new states to the NICA community. The future of NICA is bright, and I hope you are just as excited as I am about the outlook of interscholastic mountain biking across the United States!
With Gratitude,
Austin