Clay County Schools’ Discovery Program Biking Initiative Receives $20,000 Boost

The Clay County Schools (CCS) Discovery Program’s biking initiative is set to continue thriving thanks to a $20,000 Youth Sports Grant Fund awarded by North Carolina Amateur Sports (NCAS). The grant, established by the North Carolina General Assembly using a portion of sports wagering tax revenues, was secured through an application by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association (CCCRA) via its Trails and Greenways program. This funding will support the ongoing partnership with the Southern Appalachian Bicycle Association (SABA) to engage youth in bicycling.

The Discovery Program, an after-school and summer initiative for primary and elementary students, has been collaborating with CCCRA and SABA since 2001. The program targets 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders, providing them with equipment to promote an active lifestyle and teach lifelong skills. SABA contributes by offering bike safety and maintenance education, organizing bike rodeos, and leading biking excursions at the school campus, Clay County Rec Park, and the Jackrabbit Mountain Trails System to enhance participants’ skills.

Over the years, maintaining the original equipment from the program’s first decade has become challenging due to difficulties in sourcing replacement parts for the aging bicycles. The new grant will address this by funding a complete fleet of new bicycles, safety gear, accessories, repair parts, safety booklets, and supplies for bike rodeos. The Hayesville Bike Shop will handle the assembly of the new bikes starting in July, with assistance from SABA volunteers.

The revitalization effort is seen as a testament to community collaboration, ensuring the biking program’s longevity and continued impact on youth development in Clay County.