As we kick off the winter sports season, our Youth United initiative is taking some time to reflect on Park City High School’s Mountain Bike season that wrapped up in the Fall. Several Youth United participants are part of the team, and it embodies all we strive for with this initiative: a sense of belonging through sports and activities.
The Miners’ MTB Team had a great year with 78 podium finishes, won 3 of 3 regional races, and still remain state champions. There were some trials and tribulations as well – like inclement weather. Early snowfall meant most riders did not get to race during the state competition in Cedar City.
As Coach Pete wrote in an email to the team after state, “This sport certainly teaches all of us resilience and adaptability. I am so proud of the way all of the riders took the disappointing circumstances and pirouetted them into glorious outcomes and opportunities to foster community and camaraderie.”
This is the power of sport: to build confidence, resiliency, and strength while working as a team and being there for one another. It’s great to move your body and refine your skills within a sport, but the concurrent benefits like friendship, community, and a sense of belonging that come with the activity have a whole other meaning and can be a lifeline to many students as they make their way through school.
We believe it’s imperative that all students have access to sports, recreation, clubs, camps, and extracurricular activities, regardless of their financial circumstances or cultural background. The goal of Youth United is to foster a sense of belonging among local youth and strengthen connections between community members. And we do it by removing barriers of entry like the costs for the programs and equipment.
Alex Contreras, a 16-year-old sophomore at Park City High School, decided to join the Miners’ MTB team after Heather Sims, his mentor from Youth Sports Alliance and now co-coach for MTB, insisted that he would be a good fit. Through Youth United, Alex received his first mountain bike and continues to be a valued team member. Initially there were some language barriers, but Alex says he’s happy to have made some great new friends and to have his own bike to cruise around Park City.
Kenia Ramirez, a junior at Park City High School and another Youth United student, had a standout performance when she wore the leadership jersey in the Beaver race. She placed in the top ten in the race and was recognized as a key team player. Kenia said it was an emotional moment for her!
“It has been really fun and encouraging to see the MTB team come together and lead the way,” said Junior Vieyra, Outreach and Impact Coordinator at Park City Community Foundation. “This team exemplifies the meaning of inclusivity, and we couldn’t be prouder to have played a small part in making sure all of our community is invited into the world of sports here in Park City and Summit County.”
Congratulations again to Park City High School’s Mountain Bike Team for a successful season!