– Mountain biking is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing sports for middle and high school athletes. The Grunduski Group is excited to help the Georgia Interscholastic Cycling League (GA League) blaze the trails to get more kids on bikes. The GA League just began their 4th competitive mountain biking season on Sunday, September 10th at a new venue at Road Atlanta, with 47 teams, 700 student-athletes, and 225 coaches participating in the league from across GA and in parts of South Carolina.
In 2014, the GA League began with just 10 teams and 100 student-athletes. The League is continuing to experience explosive growth in this past off-season. Twenty-one news teams have formed in Buford, Paulding, Jefferson, Coweta, Albany, Hampton, Oconee, Conyers, Jackson, Forsyth, Johns Creek, Woodstock, and a few more to come. View a map of all teams HERE. Students or coaches interested in joining a team in their area can contact League Director, Kenny Griffin, at Kenny@georgiamtb.org.
The GA League is making a real difference in the lives of Georgia’s youth, introducing them to a lifelong sport that encourages a healthy and active lifestyle. In just three short seasons, the GA League has trained close to 800 student-athletes and over 300 coaches through its Mountain Bike Youth Development programs. They have also awarded over $10,000 in financial aid and loaner bikes to student-athletes and coaches in need. Below is an excerpt from a letter the league received at the end of last season from the mom of one of their student-athletes.
“My son was in a pretty bad place at the start of 2016. He was not social, had a poor attitude, was failing school and was not very kind to the people who cared for him the most. We were at a loss in ways to help him. …. I am proud to report that not only did he fall in love with it instantly but he is no longer on any medications or seeing psychiatrists. Biking is his therapy!!!! He NEEDS to ride!!! …. Again thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me save my son from a terrible life which no one wants to see their child live. He has made lifelong friends and has met some incredible mentors along the way. Georgia League Rocks!!!”
The Georgia League is a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and a part of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), providing exclusive mountain biking programs for middle and high students. The Georgia League is one of nineteen leagues in eighteen states overseen by NICA, established in 2009. Over 12,000 student-athletes and 4,500 licensed coaches participate in NICA programs across the nation. The Georgia League is open to all Georgia and South Carolina students, regardless of ability, believing that cycling is about lifelong health, not just today’s win. Scholarships and loaner bikes are available to students in need. For more information about starting a team in your area, joining a team, League Sponsorship or Volunteer information, or for more information on the Georgia League, visit www.georgiamtb.org or connect with them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/georgiamtb, on Twitter at @gamtbleague, on Instagram at georgiamtbleague, or on LinkedIn at Georgia Interscholastic Cycling League.