Sho-Air International, which specializes in transporting trade show and event material, has signed on as the top sponsor of the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) in a two year agreement that adds significant support to the continuing growth of high school mountain biking in the United States.
Sho-Air is also the sponsor of the Sho-Air/Cannondale pro mountain bike team, and has been a sponsor of mountain biking for almost 10 years.
This agreement with Sho-Air comes with the creation of a new Platinum Plus category by NICA, as it progresses towards its objective of spreading high school mountain biking coast to coast by 2020.
NICA’s executive director, Austin McInerny, said, “Team Sho-Air has been a force at both the national and international pro mountain biking level for many years now, and it is very satisfying that they are joining the NICA movement as a top NICA sponsor. We are excited to collaborate with Team Sho-Air to improve and expand the high school mountain bike experience for our student-athletes, coaches volunteers and supporters. In doing so, we are enabling more young adults to strengthen body, mind and character while simultaneously building the future generation of responsible and clean cyclists. Sho-Air’s support and commitment gives us a major boost in these efforts.”
“NICA’s youth development program supports Sho-Air’s advocacy of healthy living through riding bicycles by providing an option to youth at an age that they can enjoy the benefits of cycling for a life time,” said R. Scott Tedro, president and CEO of Sho-Air International. “Sho-Air has unwavering support for amateur and professional racing through its U.S. Cup premier racing series and its professional squad, Team Sho-Air/Cannondale. Sho-Air views supporting NICA as a natural progression to further support the initiative of better living through cycling and NICA is a great way to get riders started early. We look forward to a partnership that provides support of a wide range of NICA activities and programs.”
Plans are in the works for motivational sessions with NICA student-athletes, led by the Sho-Air/Cannondale team members at local and regional levels, while at the national level Sho-Air will provide funding to critically important areas for the NICA community and movement, such as coaching support and education, start-up grants for new leagues, and assistance for current leagues.
About the National Interscholastic Cycling Association
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes and coaches across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, including camps and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike.
NICA exists by virtue of generous donors and sponsors, including the founding national sponsor Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as Sho-Air, Easton Foundations, JEEP, SRAM, Trek Bicycles, Clif Bar & Company, Primal Wear, QBP, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, adidas Eyewear, CamelBak, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Mountain Bike Action, Ritchey Designs, Sidi America and WTB.
