IMBA Canada believes that Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day can be much more than just one day on the calendar each year. To achieve this goal, we’ve partnered with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) for 2013! Together we intend to make each and every day Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day.
As Presenting Sponsor MEC has pledged to supply gear and prizes for Canadian events, as well as promote the Take A Kid program, and wherever possible, attend official events.
This new partnership with MEC expands from previous collaboration on IMBA Canada’s Regional Leadership Advisory Council program, and website development. With similar goals such as providing and enhancing access to high quality mountain bike experiences in communities across Canada, and growing participation in the sport of cycling, the partnership is a great match, says IMBA Canada’s executive Director Lora Woolner.
October 5, 2013 marks the tenth annual celebration of Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day, and with MEC’s support, it is our goal to grow the program to at least 40 events in Canada (a 25% increase over last year) and also to have every province represented on the events calendar. Globally, IMBA aims to put 30,000 kids and families on bikes in 2013.
During the month of March 2013, MEC is also running the You Vote Your Cause campaign, pledging to donate $1for each vote in its Board of Directors election. IMBA Canada’s Take A Kid program was selected, along with the Canadian Avalanche Centre and Leave No Trace Canada. Funds raised from this campaign will support Take A Kid event programming for 2013.
More about Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day
Established in 2004, Take A Kid Mountain Biking Day challenges adults and biking clubs to introduce kids to the sport of cycling. Since its inception, the event has put more than 53,000 kids and adults on bicycles worldwide. The event celebrates the life of Jack Doub, an avid teenage mountain biker from North Carolina who passed away in 2002.
More about IMBA Canada & Mountain Equipment Co-op
An ‘Above and Beyond’ corporate supporter since 2010, Mountain Equipment Co-op is Canada’s leading retailer of clothing, gear, and services for active lifestyles, including hiking, cycling, running, camping, fitness, snowsports and watersports. MEC has more than 3.5 million members throughout Canada, whom it serves through 16 stores in six provinces as well as mec.ca. Widely recognized for its commitment to sustainability, MEC is a member of 1% For The Planet and supports various outdoor recreation and environmental conservation initiatives through its community grants program. Anyone can join MEC and become part-owner in the Co-op, by purchasing a $5 lifetime individual membership. More information about MEC is available here.
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (Canada) is a non-profit association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers throughout Canada. Since 1988, IMBA has been bringing out the best in mountain biking worldwide by encouraging low-impact riding, volunteer trailwork participation, and cooperation among different trail user groups, grassroots advocacy and innovative trail management solutions. IMBA’s Canadian office has been up and running since 2004. Join the movement at www.imbacanada.com.
The Muddbunnies encourage and welcome female riders of all experience and skill levels to join them in getting down and dirty. Come on, ride like a girl!
