Jan
19
Great Idea: Tour of California in Schools
By Rich Kelly, Filed Under Advocacy, Industry News, Racing
Now how’s this for a great idea to motivate students and to promote the sport of cycling: The Tour of California promoters sent out a press release about a new program to provide an educational curriculum based on the ToC to schools in the areas along the race route. The program will teach fourth through sixth graders about the history of cycling, and include bike safety and maintenance tips as well as including “targeted lesson plans that use cycling as a means to teach core subjects such as math, science and geography”.
How great is that?
AEG, the Tour organizers, said that they have seen such an enthusiastic response to the race from the towns that it passes through – primarily among the younger generations. I agree having followed the old Tour DuPont for a few stages back in 1994 and witnessing tons of kids out on the road sides cheering the racers on. The curriculum would increase awareness and build anticipation for the upcoming event while providing real world applications of the core subjects they study in school. It can be tough for kids to appreciate why they need to learn certain skills such as math and applying them to such a fun, fast-paced and colorful sport such as cycling could really help with their interest and motivation. I hope they get to take field trips to the race when it passes through town.
The side benefit, obviously, is the exposure that the sport will get in front of kids at an age where they may start to feel like they’re outgrowing bikes and looking forward to getting a car. Showing bikes in a competitive setting might help the kids to see cycling in a different light than they have been exposed to until this point in their lives: as a kid’s toy.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has lent his office’s support by reminding everyone that “Few childhood activities are as enjoyable and invigorating as riding a bicycle, and we want to use cycling as a platform for introducing the joys of outdoor recreation to young Californians.” Here, here!
So cycling will be used to enrich the minds and bodies of these lucky kids. I would love to see some of the materials that will be used. I truly hope that the impression that is made in their minds will endure and have a positive and meaningful impact on their futures.
Too bad my kids are still too young to participate. And the Tour hasn’t seen fit to include stages in San Diego County – yet. Come on AEG, how about a stage up the south side of Palomar Mountain? (Palomar is considered by some to be the sole US mountain that could approach European Category 1 status for difficulty).
Comments
3 Responses to “Great Idea: Tour of California in Schools”
I thought that announcement was pretty cool, too. Let’s see if the schools actually use or even distribute this material.
This is fantastic. AEG, to remind people, sponsor a nice little pro team – http://www.aerospacecycling.com/
If one kid wears a helmet because of AEG’s efforts, it’ll be worth it. And if that kid ends up inadvertently using it, well, you can’t put a value on a life uninterrupted.
Plus who would want to argue with “Ah-nold” when he says cycling is great?
Actually, it’s a different AEG. Check out http://www.aegworldwide.com . This AEG is the leading sports and entertainment presenter in the world. They are the company organizing the Tour of California and the group responsible for bringing David Beckham to LA.
The other AEG (sponsors of the cycling team) seem to be an aerospace engineering company. It looks like they have a well supported team.