AMGEN inspiring youth

While the AMGEN Tour of California is primarily about the race, it’s also about inspiring the next generation.

King City Mayer, Mike Lebarre spoke at the event. He says, “If you’re willing to work hard, put in the time and dedication to achieve your goals. That’s what these riders represent.”

Several elementary schools in King City canceled class today… bringing about 1,000 students to the event.

Kim Morales is a teacher at Del Rey Elementary. She says, “They provided nice booklets that we have been reading about, learning more about the tour and how intense it is and their whole 7 week journey.”

Teachers like Morales have been teaching students about the event for some time. But more importantly, they have been teaching them to follow their dreams. “I want them to see the hard work and dedication that these cyclist have put in and how it has paid off and they have achieved their dream. I want them to be motivated to have big dreams themselves,” says another King City teacher, Veronica Alvarez.

Many of the riders started when they were these kids’ age. Robin Carpenter did his first 100 mile ride at age 12. He started out in Philadelphia. He put in the work and kept pedaling toward his dream. He says, “If you work hard and you keep at it, you’ll see that a lot of people quit, and quit before you do and if you just keep going more likely than not you’re going to succeed.”

And that’s the story for many riders. Matthew Hammond from Australia says, “I’ve traveled around the world, been all over the world racing. And I’ve also been able to make a little money out of it.”

And for kids that attended the event… a little inspiration goes a long way. “Never give up because soon you can accomplish it,” says a King City Elementary student.