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Image: Kate Courtney is a professional mountain bike racer for the Scott-SRAM MTB Racing Team. She is the founder of the She Sends foundation - a non-profit organization that seeks to connect, support, and inspire women and girls through mountain biking.
She Sends Foundation + NICA GRiT
She Sends Foundation is the Presenting Partner of NICA’s Expanded GRiT Grants Program
NICA is joining efforts with Kate Courtney and her She Sends Foundation to expand our collective mission of bringing more female athletes into the world of cycling. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to increasing female participation and diversity in mountain biking.
Together we can empower women and girls to break barriers, redefine norms, and make their mark, both on and off the bike.
IMPACT OF NICA + SHE SENDS PARTNERSHIP
Amplified Reach
She Sends Foundation's partnership allows NICA to reach more girls and women across the country and welcome them into the sport of mountain biking.
Aligned Mission
Together, NICA and the She Sends Foundation will increase female participation in mountain biking through an expanded NICA GRiT program.
Inspired Community
“If you can see it, you can be it”
- Kate Courtney
Our female athletes are inspired to break barriers, redefine norms, and make their mark, both on and off the bike.
“Mountain biking is a powerful tool to help build confidence, resilience, and joy. The GRiT Grants Program aligns perfectly with our mission at the She Sends Foundation, and we are thrilled to support these efforts to break down barriers to female participation.“
- Kate Courtney
History of GRiT
Revolutionizing Female Participation in Mountain Biking
The GRiT initiative is NICA’s effort to recruit and retain more girls and female coaches to mountain biking, and keep them outside, on bikes for years to come. The first nationwide program of its kind, GRiT focuses intentional effort on creating an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for women and girls, who are underrepresented in the sport.
GRiT Grants Program
A strategic effort within NICA’s GRiT program to increase participation and support for young female athletes/Female Coaches in mountain biking
With support from the She Sends Foundation, additional funding from the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is available to support the development and expansion of league and team-level Girls Riding Together (GRiT) initiatives. When applying, NICA encourages leagues and teams to apply for funding focused on efforts to recruit and retain female coaches and student-athletes. NICA will be looking for grassroots recruitment, retention strategies, and leadership development events. Funding is available for both NICA leagues and teams.
Important Dates:
March 5, 2024 - League and teams applications open April 1, 2024 - League application due date, team applications remain open to be reviewed on a rolling basis April 10, 2024 - League awards will be announcedLate April and May - Team awards will be announced