TULSA, Okla. — The USA BMX Rise camp kicked off the training wheels to start a 12-week adventure at the Hardesty National BMX stadium.
Dwight Bills has a son in the camp and he said he's thankful for this opportunity.
"I think it's a great opportunity for my son, the northern community here in Tulsa, and the support from parents," Bills said.
The RISE camp which stands for resiliency, inclusion, social awareness and education will have 30 kids meet at the Hardesty National BMX stadium once a week.
2 News previously covered the camp and its mission when the pilot program launched.
Growing biking skills and learning about history through a bike ride to Black Wall Street. Dwight is ready to watch his son grow.
"I am thrilled I hope he has a blast I hope he really enjoys it like I said I kind of wish I had this opportunity when I was younger" said Bills.
The RISE camp is more than just riding a bike and learning some cool tricks. It teaches them math and science by having them calculate the angles within a bike and provides a free lifetime membership to use the facility.
WATCH: BMX offers summer STEM projects for teens
Once the young bike riders graduate from the program, they get to keep their bike and helmet.
Ray Hoyt, the Executive Director of the USA BMX foundation, told 2 News the program aims to help the community that he said hasn't been given an opportunity in the BMX world.
"Discovery, mobility, exploration, socialization—all the things that I think some of us grew up with—we want to try and make sure that we give these kids this opportunity," said Hoyt.
Three programs are held throughout the year, and two kids from each program are selected to compete in the USA BMX Grand National competition. Hoyt said the camp has big plans for the future.
"We're really close to having a full-blown curriculum around this program so we can pick this up and take this to at risk and underserved communities" said Hoyt.
The next program for the USA BMX RISE camp will start this fall on August 27.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere --
- Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices.
- Sign up for daily newsletters emailed to you
- Like us on Facebook
- Follow us on Instagram
- SUBSCRIBE on YouTube
