Greater Cleveland Sports Commission has a robust history of developing community impact programs to maximize the benefit of hosting amateur and collegiate sporting events in Cleveland. Over 12,700 Cleveland residents have participated in such programs since GCSC was re-founded in 2000. Funding for these programs comes from a variety of sources including grants from the City of Cleveland, private foundations, and corporate donations.
Youth Education through Sports has three goals:
- to provide children with an opportunity for physical activity,
- to allow access to unique experiences,
- and to offer health and wellness education
Children from the City of Cleveland’s 21 Recreation Centers are the primary beneficiaries of the Youth Education through Sports programming, and participation is by invitation only.
BIKES FOR KIDS
While you're registering for your fav. NEOCycle race or ride, don't forget the kiddos! You can donate $5, $10 or $20 to our Youth Education through Sports to provide Bikes for Kids. By donating, you'll receive a recognition sticker on your NEOCycle bib during packet pickup. (Don't say we never gave you anything.)
donate to provide bikes for kids
2017 Outcomes
- 239 children participated in seven different programs
- 139 children received new bicycles, locks, helmets, and bicycle safety training
- 150 Cleveland residents participated in bicycle “fix-a-thons” at three recreation centers over three years
- Seven inner-city recreation centers received a new set of beautifully-designed bike racks
2018 NEOCycle Youth EDUCATION THROUGH SPORTS
Free Bike Repairs
Our partners at Ohio City Bicycle Co-op brought out several mechanics, tools, tires, and necessary pieces to provide bike repairs and safety checks for residents of the City of Cleveland.
A large portion of this program was about bike education by having guests work next to a certified mechanic to learn more about the repair process and how they can fix their own bike in the future.
Bike Build – May 4th
150 youth bicycles will be built by GCSC Staff, Associate Board and STEM students.
Field Day – June 15th
Ten students, ages 8-12, from each of the 21 City of Cleveland Recreation Centers will be selected to participate in a day of educational elements focused on energy.
Stations include:
- Food as Energy (nutrition)
- Body Energy (strength & flexibility)
- Mental Energy (meditation & yoga)
- Energy as Power (energy education)
- Positive Energy (sportsmanship)
Two-week activity tracking – June 15th-June 29TH
Students will track their daily behavior and progress based on the lessons they learned throughout the Field Day.
Distribution Day – July 6
Top 150 scorers of the program, based on Field Day participation and the tracking of activities, will receive a new bicycle, helmet, lock, and learn about bike safety.
*Make-up Distribution Day - JULY 20
NEOCycle Weekend – September 8th at Edgewater Park
All children who receive a bike will be invited out to NEOCycle on Saturday, September 8th for additional cycling and Hub activities.