Winners from the Mammoth STEM Elementary School shown here with Cyclemasters (left to right) Jack and Susan Rose, Program Coordinator Ken Perkins and Co-President Jim Bevan
Ted Belanger
For the eighth year in a row the SaddleBrooke Cyclemasters have contributed six bikes each to students of elementary schools in the San Manuel and Mammoth school systems. The awards went to the most improved students in first through sixth grades. The school’s teachers and administrators conducted the selection process.
Program Coordinator Ken Perkins was inspired to put together this effort through his participation in the Adopt a Family Campaign. Ken says: “I know that our membership wants to make a difference in children’s lives. We also want to promote an active lifestyle that the youth can use throughout their lives. What better way than to encourage excellent performance and physical fitness with the reward of a new bike and bike helmet?” The bikes were purchased with the funds that the group generates with the monthly delivery of the SaddleBrooke Progress. Oro Valley Bikes sells the Raleigh Bikes and specialized helmets to the Cyclemasters at a discounted price. The teachers provide Ken with the students dimensions so that each bike and helmet is perfectly matched.
You can only imagine the excitement that runs through each winner’s mind. At the presentation in San Manuel one young girl winner came up to one of our club members and said, “I prayed last night that I would win this bike.” That’s what makes this effort so special and rewarding.