Natural Grocers has announced their return as a sponsor for the Colorado High School Cycling League’s 2024 season. The Colorado League, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, invests in youth through interscholastic mountain bike racing. Since its founding in 2009 with just 202 student-athletes from 19 teams, the program has grown rapidly. To ensure a high-quality experience, the league expanded into two conferences in 2015 and into four regions by 2020.
The 2024 season kicked off with the inaugural race weekend on August 24th and 25th in Frisco and Leadville, with nearly 1,500 student-athletes from 88 teams, representing around 150 high schools, competing. In 2023, Colorado League teams collectively contributed 1,743 hours to local trail maintenance.
“The Colorado League focuses on positive youth development from the saddle of a mountain bike. Our mission is to empower youth by providing the opportunity to engage in a healthy lifelong sport that is inclusive and welcoming. Coaches and teams foster an environment where all youth can shine. Natural Grocers’ support provides resources to reach more youth and families throughout the region. Together we are impacting the present and shaping the future by providing a transformational experience,” said Kate Rau, Executive Director of the Colorado League.
A noteworthy 390 girls made up 23% of the high school racers in 2023, a strong representation in the cycling world. Many Colorado League athletes excelled at the 2024 USA Cycling National Mountain Bike Championships, earning three Gold Medals and two Silver. Additionally, three Colorado League alumni were selected for the USA 2024 Olympic cycling team, competing in both mountain biking and track events.
Raquel Isely, Vice President of Marketing at Natural Grocers added, “We are so proud to support the Colorado High School Cycling League for a second year in a row. One of our Five Founding Principles is a ‘Commitment to Community’ – a principle the Colorado League embodies in its own special way. This program is well-known and widely respected for encouraging healthy habits in youth, developing self-confidence, cultivating leadership and building community. It was an easy decision to align our company with such a fabulous program for another season.”
The Colorado League’s impact extends beyond Colorado, reaching youth, families, coaches, and volunteers in New Mexico, Wyoming, and South Dakota, providing exceptional and memorable experiences.
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