the 2008 IMBA World Summit
San Rafael, Calif. – May 14, 2008 – Trips for Kids National (TFK) today announced it is hosting a Pre-Conference for TFK chapters in conjunction with the 2008 International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) World Summit taking place in Park City, Utah, this coming June.
The TFK Pre-conference is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18, 2008, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Park City Marriott, and is for current TFK chapters and those interested in starting a new TFK chapter.
“Trips for Kids is honored to partner with IMBA at its upcoming World Summit,” said Marilyn Price, founder and director of TFK. “Many TFK chapters consist of IMBA members, and IMBA clubs are natural vehicles to start TFK chapters, so it made sense to meet together before the conference to share ideas and best practices.”
The TFK Pre-Conference Workshop will address how to start and promote a program, respond to challenges, use the bicycle as an education tool and guarantee the long-term success of an individual chapter. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on June 18, there will be a facilitated workshop for TFK and other youth biking groups.
“The goal of adding youth topics to the IMBA Summit agenda and including Trips for Kids in the session is to identify barriers, find solutions and ultimately inspire more youth biking programs around the globe,” said Mike Van Abel, director of IMBA.
To that end, Quality Bicycle Product’s Advocacy Director Gary Sjoquist requested that QBP’s sponsorship of the IMBA World Summit be directed toward making Summit scholarships available to Trips for Kids chapters.
“With more than 60 chapters nationwide, it made sense to use our sponsorship funds to help get these folks to the Summit,” said Sjoquist. “Kids are the future of mountain biking, and both IMBA and Trips for Kids are helping get kids on mountain bikes and out on the trails.”
The 2008 IMBA World Summit begins immediately following the TFK Pre-Conference on Wednesday, June 18, and ends Saturday, June 21. Price and TFK Chapter members are also participating in panel discussions concerning mountain bicycling and trail stewardship among youth during the Summit.
To RSVP for the TFK Pre-Conference, call 415-458-2986 or send an email to national@tripsforkids.org.
About Trips for Kids
Founded in 1988, Trips For Kids is a national 501(c)3 non-profit program that provides the materials, moral support, and inspiration that an individual or group needs to help disadvantaged kids discover the joy of mountain biking. Operating in the United States and Canada, Trips For Kids opens the world of cycling to at risk youth through mountain bike rides and Earn-A-Bike programs. www.tripforkids.org
About International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
The International Mountain Bicycling Association is a non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. IMBA’s worldwide network includes 32,000 individual members, more than 450 bicycle clubs, more than 130 corporate partners and about 200 bicycle retailers. IMBA’s members live in all 50 U.S. states, most Canadian provinces and in 30 other countries. www.imba.com