It is NEVER a dull moment around Nine13sports and this week really is the perfect example of this.  We’ve got the Dart Party Wednesday night where Larra Overton is throwing to raise money on our behalf and a full few days over at IPS.  Check out the press release from today…

Nine13sports’ Bicycling for Change Program to be Hosted by Indianapolis Public School’s SUPER School Press Release 2.25.2013

Indianapolis, IN ─ February 22, 2013 ─ In partnership with Indianapolis Public Schools, local nonprofit Nine13sports will showcase its nationally recognized youth fitness program at the SUPER School at Frederick Douglass 19, the newest IPS magnet school.

“Nine13sports is one of the most uniquely designed and successful programs that I have ever come across,” says Kathy Langdon, IPS Physical Education Program (PEP) Grant Manager.  “The students love the bicycles, work hard, get a sweat going and have fun participating.  As we continue to redefine the parameters of what represents a healthy and active lifestyle, it’s important that we bring the Bicycling for Change program into all of the district’s schools.”

The Bicycling for Change curriculum focuses on individual fitness and goal setting, incorporates teamwork and community cooperation, and promotes overall fitness awareness.  An interactive demonstration of the program will be presented at the school on Thursday, February 28, and Friday, March 1, for students in grades 4 through 7 as part of their regular physical education curriculum.  This special two-day event leads into the school’s first ever SUPER Community Wellness Festival to be held on Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The Wellness Festival will be open to the public and offer a wide variety of fun activities that promote a healthy lifestyle.

“We have been collaborating with our partners at IPS,” says Tom Hanley, Business Development Director for Nine13sports, “to identify community sources willing to provide the funding needed to bring the Bicycling for Change program to 24 IPS schools.  The 18-month program curriculum will provide over 11,000 dynamic youth interactions.”

Nine13sports and IPS are currently seeking financial support for their 18-month Bicycling for Change program.  Nine13sports believes that community involvement is imperative to their non-profit success, and is confident that the large Foundations in Central Indiana will find value in investing in this program which benefits a significant number of youth and positively impacts the IPS system.

Nine13sports will be part of the SUPER Community Wellness Festival and will provide interactive demonstrations throughout the day for parents, students and other community members.  In addition, it will promote several celebrity and teacher races during the event.

Langdon says, “We are encouraging all administrators from the school district as well as all our community partners to stop by and see what Nine13sports is all about.”

Hanley adds, “Showcasing the Bicycling for Change program at the Wellness Festival is the perfect opportunity for local Foundation partners to see and experience our incredible bicycling fitness programs in action¾a true introduction of our organization and demonstration of the positive, effective impact it makes in our community.”

The SUPER School at Frederick Douglass 19 is the first IPS school in the district to focus on children’s fitness, nutrition and overall wellness.  Using a creative learning environment, it promotes fitness and health in ways that effectively encourage students to choose long-lasting healthy and active lifestyles.  This IPS magnet school will be one of the first IPS schools to implement the Bicycling for Change program when fully launched by IPS and Nine13sports.

About Nine13sports:

Indy Velo (dba 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 at no cost to them. 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 cycling 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.

#             #             #