Dear Team NICA -
It has been fantastic and energizing to see our community come together this fall and hold events to continue to build strong minds, bodies, character and community for our student-athletes. Congratulations to the Nebraska League and the South Carolina League on successful inaugural races earlier this month. With five new leagues launching this Fall, the launch of the Kansas League this past spring, and the continued growth of our existing leagues, we are thrilled to see the NICA community grow to over 26,400 student-athletes this year with over 14,000 volunteer coaches committed to getting #MoreKidsOnBikes.
While visiting several leagues this fall I have enjoyed connecting with our community and watching the joy mountain biking brings to our student-athletes. I applaud the determination of our league directors, race crews, coaches, parents and volunteers to ensure that our student-athletes can participate in NICA events and feel safe, supported and encouraged along the way.
In West Virginia this past weekend the League welcomed a new venue in Cacapon State Park, the result of years of effort of working with the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. Zach Adams, a West Virginia League core staff member, built the trail at Cacapon that student-athletes raced on and is now a new trail that the public can enjoy as well. These kinds of partnerships and community involvement are what sets NICA apart. Hats off to League Director Cassie Smith for her leadership and to her team for their efforts in creating new venues that benefit the entire community.
Best Regards,
Steve