NATIONAL INTERSCHOLASTIC CYCLING ASSOCIATION (NICA)
NICA is the governing body for high school cycling. Utah is working with NICA to become an Emerging League this fall and a Project League starting January 2012. As a League, NICA invests in Utah to get our League up and running. They provide coaching education and licensing. Partnered with THE POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE, they will train coaches, assistants, rider leaders, etc. Bringing to Utah a Leader's Summit which will teach coaches everything from how to teach mountain biking skills to running the school program, all with a focus on how to treat kids with respect and build their self esteem through positive coaching. NICA will aid in skills clinics for kids and in getting our races up and running. We are planning on a fall race schedule and late summer training. NICA races follow a 4-6 mile lap format, making them very spectator friendly so parents, families, and friends can watch their athlete race and cheer them on!

WHY MOUNTAIN BIKING IN HIGH SCHOOLS?
-FUN! FUN! FUN! We want to meet needs of those kids not in mainstream sports, and do so in a positive way that builds the self esteem of kids. Cycling is a life-long sport, you can be 40 or 60 years old and still out riding or racing, providing health and fitness for life!

Friday, April 15, 2011

Sponsorship & Diversity

Hi friends! I have been super focussed on sponsorship all week. If anyone has connections for me of possible sponsors, please email me! I am hoping for good weather this weekend to get out and check out a couple possible venue sites with Dave, Alex and Justin.

I thought with recent events in Utah, you might be interested in NICA's policy on diversity. This blog is in  no way, shape or form commenting or taking a stance on said incidences. It is purely to give you information of NICA policy.  Here is a quote right out of the coaching manual.


"As you create a safe enviornment for your riders, it is important to be aware of the differences that may exist among them.  You can set a tone that welcomes and respects these differences and does not tolerate discrimination. Be aware that it can be challenging to be in the minority within a group, whether that means being the only girl, only student of color, only working class person, etc. . . .

Race: Create a friendly enviornment for all of your young riders. Intervene if you hear racist comments or jokes. Keep in mind how challenging it can be to be in a group in which you are the minority.
Sexual Orientation: Do not tolerate anti-gay statements, such as the popular, "That's so gay" put down."

There is more in the manual regarding respecting differences in gender, class, culture, etc. It is such a great manual! Don't you love it? The whole manual is so fantastic! Remember, NICA is partnered with The Positive Coaching Alliance. As a leadership, we stand behind their policy of respect for all 100%! This is going to be so amazing! We are so lucky!
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