Hello teammates,

I have been on the team for 3 years; it has given me so much support that my love of the sport has grown immensely.  Recently, I was given the opportunity to give back to the sport by helping low-income children train for triathlons.  These children attend an inner city school in San Bernardino and are being led by a distinguished teacher Mrs. Noel.  She received recognition as Teacher of the Year in 2009.   She feels that these children are at a point in their life where they can decide to make something of themselves or choose the wrong path.  Through these triathlons the children are learning vital life lessons she hopes they will carry on into the future.

I am going to be helping the children train for the biking portion of the triathlon.  These students have been training for the running portion of the triathlon since July.  They range in age from 7-12 years old.  Due to financial situations beyond their control, these children only have Huffy, BMX bikes, or no bike at all.  Similarly, these children have few helmets, gloves, and other necessities needed for the triathlon. 

I am calling out for support from anyone that is willing to donate biking essentials.  The items needed are road bikes, helmets, gloves, biking clothing, biking shoes, tires, tubes, air pumps, bike racks, and anything else you feel that would help.  All of these can be used items.  For example, some of these children are running in used shoes that have been donated.  Some of the upcoming events that they are training for are the Tin Man Triathlon and Solvang Century Ride.  These are dedicated children who would appreciate any and all help to ensure they accomplish their goals.

I will be at the team meeting this Wednesday, February 3, 2010.  If you have anything you would like to donate, please email me at Jeremy.maldonado@cmc.com.  I can also be reached at (909) 322-5150.  All donations are tax-deductible.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Maldonado