June 24, 2015 – MEC and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Canada are pleased to announce continued support for IMBA Canada’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking program, which so far has put more than 10,000 kids and adults on bikes nationwide. In 2015, the goal is to support and promote 40 youth-focused mountain bike events across Canada, culminating in the twelfth annual international Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day (TKMBD) celebration on Saturday, October 3. As in the past, event hosts will receive prizes and schwag for their event from MEC.

“MEC is very proud to be partnering with and supporting IMBA Canada’s Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day again,” said David Robinson, Regional Sustainability & Community Co-ordinator, MEC – Ontario Region. “It would be great to see more programs in place like Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day, that inspire and enable kids to have the skills and community to be active outdoors.”

Joining the effort to get more kids on bikes in 2015 are Parks Canada, Ontario Parks and Vélo Québec.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnerships to get Canadian youth active and on bikes,” said Lora Woolner, IMBA Canada Executive Director. “The single best thing we can do to ensure a strong and vibrant mountain bike community down the road is to introduce our kids to the world on two wheels from an early age.”

Developed and coordinated by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, TKMBD officially takes place on the first Saturday of every October but events can be hosted at any time of the year. This is great opportunity to share your passion for pedaling with kids!

IMBA Canada invites clubs and families, youth groups and bicycle retailers to join the TKMBD movement. Sign up to feature your event on IMBA Canada’s official TKMBD calendar and map, and to receive a host kit with bike schwag from MEC!

Registration is now open. More info here.