GRiT (Girls Riding Together)
Why do NICA leagues need a special program to recruit more girls and females if NICA programming is inclusive and equal?
Although NICA has been successful in providing equal opportunities to all once participating in our programs, we can only be truly equal when we address that many females need different things to feel welcome and invited into NICA programs.
Recruitment
Girls tend to thrive in NICA programs once they join. Where NICA has to improve is in our recruiting and inviting girls into our programs. NICA must focus on equity giving girls and females the experiences and opportunities to ensure they feel welcome and invited to participate in NICA programs – if it is to increase our overall female participation.
Retention
To address the participation challenge, the GRiT Program recognizes that girls and women often join sports and activities for different reasons than boys and men, especially in a male-dominated sport like mountain biking. GRiT focuses on both recruitment and retention to ensure female riders keep riding after their first year.
Experiences
Without GRiT, we are missing a significant opportunity to offer girls and women the amazing experiences and empowerment that mountain biking provides. To empower all our participants to seek inclusivity and equality.
Experience WI GRiT
Save the date for the 2025 GRiT Retreat at Hartman Creek State Park on August 2-3, 2025. Fun for both coaches and student-athletes! Details coming in the spring.
For more information, reach out to Steff Wallin, WI GRiT Coordinator, at grit@wisconsinmtb.org.
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