Special Olympics New Jersey Grant Supports 22 Bikes to Lyndhurst Play Unified at Washington Elementary School

Every kindergartner will have the opportunity to learn to ride a bike in P.E. Class

Lyndhurst, NJ (10/16/2020) – Special Olympics New Jersey grant places a complete Learn-To-Ride Program, including Strider Learn-To-Ride Bikes, helmets, and curriculum to Washington Elementary School. The bikes were assembled by the Lyndhurst Unified Program Advisors at Washington Elementary School.

This generous donation will help approximately 3,000 kindergarten students learn to ride over the next five years.

The Strider Bikes will be delivered to every kindergarten physical education class at Washington Elementary  School and incorporated into their curriculum beginning October 2020.

Washington Elementary School / Lyndhurst Play Unified Program received everything they need to get their students pedaling through the Kindergarten P.E. Program. The program includes a proven, integrative curriculum, staff training and certification, the revolutionary, child-friendly Strider Learn-To-Ride Bikes, and helmets. The fleet of dual-propulsion 14x Strider Bikes start as balance bikes and convert to pedal bikes. This conversion makes learning to ride easier than ever before and makes training wheels obsolete. The Strider Education Foundation, the program provider, also offers continued support for each school to ensure everyone involved is successful for five years.

“Susan and Andrea from Special Olympics of New Jersey introduced the [Kindergarten PE] Program to our district. Immediately, the club advisors and administration felt this would be an excellent program to begin at Washington School. Our goal is to incorporate the balance bike program not only during our Unified Program but also during P.E class. The teachers at Washington School are excited to infuse the balance bike program into the current curriculum. We are so excited to start our program.” Felicia Lott, Washington Elementary School, Play Unified District Coordinator

Ms. Lott presented the Kindergarten PE Program to the school community at the Board of Education meeting on September 29. At that same time, a Lyndhurst Boy Scout was honored for building the two bike racks for his Eagle Scout project.

About SONJ

Special Olympics New Jersey is dedicated to bringing pride into the lives of all involved. We are a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide sports training and athletic competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, completely free of charge.

About Washington Elementary/ Lyndhurst Play Unified

The Lyndhurst Unified Program aims to build a society of acceptance and inclusion for all people. We know that students, with their energy, idealism, and creativity, can be not only participants but leaders in this mission. The Play Unified Club will give young people the tools, platform, and empowerment to be the change-makers in helping us reach this vision. In this program, students will have the opportunity to interact through sports, competition, social, academic, and recreational activities. The Play Unified Program will build character, increase acceptance of others, develop leadership skills, and enhance the school community. It is a program that teaches beyond the classroom and expands a students’ social horizons.

About Strider Education Foundation and All Kids Bike

All Kids Bike is a national movement led by the Strider® Education Foundation to place Kindergarten PE Learn-To-Ride Programs into public schools for free, using donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. The Strider Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was formed in 2017. The Strider Education Foundation believes that learning to ride can help everyone lead a happier and healthier life. Through the development of a proven Learn-To-Ride curriculum and donations of the world’s most advanced training bikes, the nonprofit organization makes riding available, safe, easy, and fun for everyone.