#USA #Irvine #Mazda #NICA #Youth Cycling

Mazda Partners with NICA: A New Era for Youth Cycling

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) has made headlines with its announcement of a multi-year partnership with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA). This initiative designates Mazda as the official automotive and SUV partner of NICA, positioning the brand as a primary sponsor for upcoming regional events. This partnership is not just a business decision; it reflects a shared commitment between both organizations to foster youth development through mountain biking.

Since its inception in 2009, NICA has expanded significantly, supporting over 26,000 young cyclists across the United States. The organization's mission revolves around developing character, physical strength, and a sense of community among youth through cycling. The newly established collaboration allows Mazda to back this vision firmly until 2029, enhancing its role in nurturing youth engagement in sports.

Both Mazda and NICA share a profound belief: movement transforms people and communities. As Amanda Carey, NICA's president, points out, “Everything we do at NICA is aimed at developing youth confidence, fostering community spirit, and encouraging a lasting passion for cycling.” Mazda embraces this ethos, emphasizing that its goal is to enrich the ‘life in motion’ by putting people at the center of their operations. This alignment marks the start of an exciting chapter for young cyclists and their families, who will benefit immensely from such a robust partnership.

Mazda has also recently partnered with Trek, a longtime sponsor of NICA, reinforcing its dedication to using bicycles as tools for personal development. This collective commitment illustrates how both organizations recognize the power of cycling within communities. From providing support at events to engaging with families, Mazda’s involvement is expected to significantly enhance the NICA community experience.

This autumn, the collaboration will be particularly impactful as Mazda serves as the main sponsor for three major regional events, bringing together young athletes and their families. The events will include the Eastern Championships in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Central Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and the Western Championships in St. George, Utah, occurring throughout October and November. These gatherings not only showcase the athletic capabilities of the youth but also foster community relationships, learning, and competition.

In recent years, regional events have seen tremendous growth; the last Eastern event alone attracted over 2,500 participants, including cyclists, coaches, parents, and volunteers. Mazda's contributions will play a critical role in enhancing these experiences, ranging from unique fair attractions to emblematic presences along the race course. The essence of Japanese hospitality, omotenashi, will resonate strongly at every event, further reinforcing the partnership’s community-oriented mission.

As Brad Audet, the Executive Director of Marketing at MNAO, stated, “Movement has always been at the core of the Mazda brand—not just as a means of transportation, but as a way to enrich our lives.” This philosophy aligns perfectly with NICA’s vision, making the partnership a logical and beneficial synergy.

Conclusion

Through this partnership, Mazda not only strengthens its community engagement but also plays a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of cyclists. The collaboration aims to amplify the positive impact of cycling, encouraging personal growth, community spirit, and a lifelong passion among the youth involved. As both organizations move forward together, the outlook for youth cycling in America has never been brighter.