April 23, 2013 (North Vancouver, B.C.) – Giant Bicycles Canada is pleased to announce an exciting new partnership with Sprockids, the most recognized youth mountain biking skills and leadership training program in the world, to build a national initiative in pursuit of their common goal of getting more kids on bikes.

“The partnership between Giant Canada and Sprockids represents a huge opportunity to engage today’s young people, and their parents in the lifelong sport of mountain biking,” said Sprockids founder Doug Detwiller.

Detwiller started the Sprockids program over two decades ago as a club of 50 elementary school children in Gibsons, B.C. Since then, his innovative idea to help kids develop self-esteem, life skills, and environmental stewardship through mountain biking has gained international recognition and impacted thousands of young lives in 19 countries.

“We are thrilled by the opportunity to partner with Doug and his Sprockids program. Now more than ever, it is vital to get youth involved in sport and physical activity,” said Paul Nash, Deputy General Manager of Giant Bicycles Canada. “We at Giant are passionate about cycling and so is Doug. It’s a perfect fit.”

One of Giant Canada’s roles in the partnership will be to assist Detwiller in updating the entire Sprockids package for today’s youth.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to be working with a team of incredibly talented, energetic, and creative individuals who are totally dedicated to this project. The Giant/Sprockids Team is going to truly bring mountain biking into the mainstream and bring play back into today’s generation,” said Detwiller.

In addition to teaching young people the necessary skills required to enjoy mountain biking, Sprockids strives to engage siblings and parents in the cycling lifestyle, thus creating a cycling family. Sprockids also helps build strong cycling communities through the creation of Skills/Teaching Parks designed around the 55 skills taught in the program developed by Detwiller.

“We are proud to be associated with a program that has such a proven record of success. It is exciting to imagine the potential of this program now that it’s backed by the world’s largest bike manufacturer,” said Nash.

The new collaboration will allow the Sprockids initiative to gain a larger reach across the country through Giant’s nationwide network of retailers. All Giant dealers will be provided with resources to implement the Sprockids program in order to help build bigger, healthier cycling communities.

The Sprockids brand will be featured on every kid’s bike sold and all Sprockids participants will receive a membership card, which will be valid for a discount at any Giant authorized dealer.

“Even though this is our first time working with Sprockids in an official capacity, we are very familiar with Doug and his vision,” said Nash. “In fact, Giant Canada has even sponsored professional riders that got their start in cycling through Sprockids. That just indicates how relevant this program is. ”

In its history of over 20 years, Sprockids has won numerous awards, including a Leadership Award presented to Detwiller in 2011 by IMBA (International Mountain Biking Association) Canada to honour him for his contributions to youth cycling. Sprockids has also been featured on TV programs and in over 250 magazines, newspapers, and web sites.

“Doug’s energy and vision for Sprockids is contagious and the entire Giant Canada team looks forward to working with him.”

Stay tuned for more information about exciting upcoming Giant Canada/Sprockids events and initiative.