Disabled kids are about to find a path to mountain biking freedom. The Utah High School Cycling League, has partnered with the National Ability Center to create the 2016 Elevate program. According to a press release, the program is designed to find a way to safely get disabled students on bikes so that they can experience the freedom we all take for granted. Utah high schoolers with physical, cognitive, or intellectual disabilities, will gain the skills, equipment, and motivation they need to be able to join their high school mountain biking team.
“The Elevate program is such a rewarding part of Utah High School Cycling League, and is an ideal way to teach inclusiveness, equality, and strong character to Utah high schoolers, and their
families,” said Lori Harward, Utah High School Cycling League Founder, and Executive Director.
“We are excited to partner with the Utah High School Cycling League to create inclusive recreational and competition opportunities,” said Steve Robinson, Sports and Recreation Program Supervisor at the National Ability Center. “ Adaptive mountain biking provides a great opportunity to develop social relationships, healthy habits and a feeling of belonging so we are excited to help bring the sport to students of all abilities.”
There are two introductory events for families in June of 2016:
TRY IT OUT, DEMO DAY
This event provides an opportunity for students to demo a variety of adaptive cycles and work with trained NAC staff. It takes place on June 4, 2016, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the National Ability Center in Park City. The cost is free. For more info or to register, go to www.utahmtb.org/elevate-program
FIVE-DAY “I CAN BIKE” CAMP
The “I Can Bike” program, has successfully taught 20,000 people with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bike. The program accepts children ages eight years old to adult. The evernt is June 20-24, 2016, at at Summit Academy High at the Point of the Mountain. The cost is free. For more, visit www.cycleability.org/bike-camp
Students enrolled in the Elevate program will have weekly practices every Tuesday evening, beginning June 7 at National Ability Center in Park City. Session One runs June 7 – July 5, and Session Two runs July 12 – August 16, and costs $75 for each Session. Elevate students register under their high school or junior development team, and are invited to participate with the team as specified by the head coach.
Interested families can register online at www.utahmtb.org/elevate-program before Elevate’s Demo Day June 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the National Ability Center in Park City.
The Utah High School Cycling League is the largest and fastest growing high school mountain biking league in the United States, with more than 1,600 athletes, 641 coaches, and 76 teams.
The National Ability Center provides professionally trained staff, adaptive cycles, and all the necessary equipment to be able to teach anyone of any ability to ride a bike.