PDF: Indiana Air National Guard Partners with Nine13sports
Indianapolis, IN ─ September 4, 2014 ─ Youth focused non-profit Nine13sports has partnered with the Indiana Air National Guard to expand their well-known Kids Riding Bikes program into the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township for the first time. This partnership will also support a program at an Indianapolis Public School.
Senior Master Sergeant Michael Daggett of the Indiana Air National Guard said, “We are always looking for ways to become better community partners in Indiana. This program will bring much needed resources to individuals who will be responsible for preserving our way of life well into the future.”
“Kids Riding Bikes powered by the Indiana Air National Guard” will focus on multiple initiatives that benefit both organizations. A dynamic new aspect to the program will be the visible participation of members from the Indiana Air National Guard who join Nine13sports staff at specific program sites. This will allow for student interaction and lets them learn about the type of person who chooses to join the National Guard and the life opportunities it affords.
“This partnership with Nine13sports offers us a turnkey approach to work with multiple school districts in a visible way,” added Daggett, “and challenges us to find innovative ways to be engaged in both education and the goal of a healthier society.”
“We believe that Indiana Air National Guard members serve as a great example of how you can be an active and supportive member in your community,” said Tom Hanley, Executive Director for Nine13sports. “They set the tone that you can be anything you want in life while still serving your community in a positive and productive fashion.”
Hanley added, “This partnership with a branch of the military is the first of its kind for us. We look forward to being a resource that provides a unique experience to both the students and our partners at the Indiana Air National Guard.”
The bicycling program will be five weeks in length and in the selected schools once per week for the duration of the program. Additionally, Nine13sports and the Indiana Air National Guard will team up to create a special event for the fall in Lawrence Township. The goal of the event will be to create informational opportunities for high school students and their families to learn about the many State and Federal benefits offered to members of the National Guard, including opportunities for educational financial assistance and gaining career skills.
“Kids Riding Bikes powered by the Indiana Air National Guard” will take place this fall at Belzer Middle School in Lawrence Township with special programming at select Lawrence High Schools. In addition, the program will be offered at Indianapolis Public School’s Gambold Prep High School.
About Nine13sports:
Nine13sports is a Central Indiana 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes health, wellness, and exercise for local youth between the ages of 8 and 18, using bicycling as the gateway. We have created a unique program in which we have integrated the traditional bicycle with technology to provide a turnkey product for youth programs, schools and other community organizations. In addition to individual betterment of health and fitness, our programs promote community, teamwork and mutual respect for one another. Our vision is to use the art and sport of bicycling to teach and positively influence our participants and leave a lasting impact. For additional information please visit www.nine13sports.org or email info@nine13sports.org.
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