ABOUT SPROCKIDS

• CCA Commitment
• The Author
• Mission
• Philosophy

CCA COMMITMENT

The Canadian Cycling Association is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of young people by offering them a structured, fun way to get involved in cycling while helping them build self-esteem.

THE AUTHOR

Elementary school teacher Doug Detwiller developed the Sprockids program. Living in Gibsons, British Columbia, Doug has always been involved in outdoor activities, with cycling quickly becoming one of his outdoor passions. His enthusiasm for the sport has taken a simple idea and created a program that attracts young people of all ages. With great success, Doug uses the Sprockids program as an intricate component of his academic teaching, as well as an avenue for helping young people build their self-esteem.

Since 1990, Sprockids has been involved in the lives of young people in the sport of mountain biking. Currently Sprockids can be found in more than 15 countries with its membership continuing to grow.

In 2002, Doug Detwiller, in collaboration with other individuals from diverse cycling background, contributed to the development of the CCA Sprockids National Introduction to Cycling Program.

MISSION

"Through the sport of cycling, young people will have the opportunity to develop the skills, values and strategies that will lead them throughout their lives and enable them to successfully reach their full potential."

PHILOSOPHY

Cycling has all the elements young people are drawn to. It provides a positive focus for our youth, and brings communities together around the benefits of cycling.

CCA Sprockids National Introduction to Cycling Program is a living, breathing program. It allows young people to have the opportunity to come together to learn and develop cycling skills.

As well as teaching cycling skills, the program fosters the learning of life skills such as goal setting and problem solving; the appreciation of cycling and learning as life long activities; and development of values such as respect for others and responsibility towards the environment.

It addresses the basic need for youth to belong to a group and feel a collective sense of security and power. The program develops self-esteem, confidence, empathy for others, teamwork, while introducing them to a healthy life long activity.

Throughout the program the concept of FUN is never forgotten. This is not a program of success or failure, no one sits on the bench. The participants enjoy a feeling of success on all levels.