Sea Otter Classic has developed a philanthropic arm, the Cypress Youth Fund. The Fund focuses on distributing funds to organizations that benefit their communities in the areas of Youth, Sports, Education, and Environment.

“The mission of the Sea Otter Classic is to make peoples lives better through participation in sport and recreation, and through celebration of an active outdoor lifestyle”, says Frank Yohannan, President and CEO of Sea Otter Classic, LLC. Sea Otter Classic currently hosts two cycling festivals: the Sea Otter Classic, Monterey, California, April 14-17, 2005 and the Cougar Mountain Classic, Sonoma, California, September 9-11, 2005.

The Fund’s immediate focus is to combat childhood obesity. According to recent findings published in the New York Times, over 11% of children ages 6 to 11 were overweight. This percentage is nearly double from a decade earlier. The silent epidemic of childhood obesity is both a public health problem and an issue of personal responsibility. Once dismissed by the medical profession as a purely cosmetic problem, obesity now represents an ominous health threat for children and is second only to smoking as a preventable cause of death.

Research indicates that the majority of children who are overweight become obese adults. “If we can inspire children at a young age to embrace an active lifestyle and form good eating habits, just maybe the tragedy of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and other potentially fatal conditions can be avoided or significantly reduced,” says Yohannan. “Cycling in particular can be enjoyed as a lifelong activity that supports a healthy lifestyle. It’s the perfect sport for children-of all ages!”

Below are some of the programs hosted by Sea Otter Classic to support the Cypress Youth Fund:

  • School Outreach Program-Professional athletes visit nearly 40 schools annually throughout Monterey County and the San Francisco Bay Area to promote the sport of cycling. School children are encouraged to increase their physical activity by participating in all types of cycling events. They’re given tips on equipment, nutrition, and riding safety.
  • Mountain Bike Ride Zone-One of the most popular venues for children at the Sea Otter Classic is the Ride Zone. Under the watchful eye of professional cyclists, the young riders improve their skills on jumps, berms, high-balance technical riding sections, and slalom courses.
  • Kids Bike Rodeo-Designed especially for riders ages 12 and under, the Rodeo highlights safety and riding skills.
  • Free Entries-All Sea Otter Classic recreational events are free to kids 12 and under. The road bike tours and mountain bike tours are particularly family-friendly and designed to promote a healthy lifestyle. This year 300 Junior Mountain Bike Cross Country racers will receive complimentary race entries courtesy of the Sea Otter Classic and the Napa Sheriff’s Activities League.