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POLK COUNTY—Sign-ups are now open for the first-ever Polk County mountain biking team. Open to all Polk County students in grades 6-12, this team welcomes all participants, with no tryouts required.

The season is set to kick off in December 2024, with two full-day classes scheduled for September 28 and September 29 at Stearns Gym. The first class will focus on Wilderness training and first aid, while the second will delve into skills and the fundamentals of mountain biking. Organizers are urging interested kids to sign up as soon as possible to help determine the number of coaches required.

“I am proud and excited to announce something I’ve been working on for a long time,” said organizer Greg Junge. “We are thrilled to partner with NICA, a national organization with a mission to get more kids on bikes.”

NICA, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association, was founded in 2009. It promotes youth mountain biking programs across the U.S. and boasts inclusivity and acceptance as core values. The organization’s goal is to provide student-athletes with adventurous experiences, foster teamwork, and tackle challenges, all within the framework of an enjoyable and exciting sport.

“We’ve recently gained approval from the principals at the Middle School and the High School for students to participate, says Junge, a veteran mountain biker with over twenty years of experience. “It will operate like a travel sports team, with kids competing against other teams from all over North Carolina.”

For those interested in volunteering as coaches, NICA’s Coach Education Program provides comprehensive training to equip coaches with the knowledge and skills to support NICA’s student-athletes effectively.

To find out more information or to sign up, visit https://lnkd.in/gWsZSJ-q.