As we begin another year at NICA, it’s a great opportunity to look back on what we were able to accomplish in 2017 as well as look forward to all the great things we have planned in 2018!
First, I’d like to say THANK YOU to the over 14,000 student-athletes, 6,000 coaches and 10,000+ volunteers who participated in NICA races, practices, camps and clinics this past year. The dedication of student-athletes, coaches and volunteers is evident in the growth and resurgence of youth cycling and, especially mountain biking, across the country. Youth categories in cycling events across America are bigger than ever before and NICA is being recognized as the primary impetus behind this growth.
2017 started out strong as we launched two new leagues in North Carolina and New Jersey, bringing us to nineteen regional leagues across the country and the momentum continued into the past fall as the Utah League registered a record 3,082 student-athletes for their season! Additionally, our female student-athlete population continue to grow, as leagues are hosting specific NICA-GRiT (Girls Riding Together) clinics to encourage more girls and women to participate in the sport of mountain biking.
While NICA continues to expand in 2018 with the addition of three new leagues (Maryland, West Virginia and Oregon), we are also focussing inward to ensure that our various programs and services are refined and expanded in order to better serve our continually growing membership. With a talented and passionate staff and expanded and committed Board of Directors, I am confident that 2018 will be a year of significant advances in NICA’s efforts to leverage mountain biking to help teens build strong mind, body and character and to provide meaningful opportunities for caring adults to serve as youth mentors.
Thank you for your ongoing involvement and support!
Sincerely, Austin
