My child has grown with such confidence due to the community that El Grupo is. El Grupo is not just a organization one runs thru but an ever growing family that are always there to support one another even after they have grown out of the program.
I have been involved with El Grupo for the last eight plus years as a volunteer coach, board member, and a supporter in terms of fundraising.
This organization gives kids, regardless of socioeconomic background, the opportunity to explore who they are as individuals via bicycles. It has been a privilege to witness so many kids grow and develop as a result of this organization
El Grupo has been an extremely supportive organization for my two children. My kids started with the summer camp program when they were 7, then moved on to join El Grupito (for younger riders), and are now both a part of the race team. I have been so impressed by the "giving back" that occurs within the organization, both with youth and adults, that I wanted to do that same. I have been a board member for the organization for the last four years. El Grupo provides a safe and supportive environment where my children are challenged and encouraged to grow and develop as athletes and well-rounded humans. My family is extremely grateful for this organization!
I have known about El Grupo in the community for many years, and since 2021 I have been active on the board because I believe in the mission of empowering youth through cycling. El Grupo Cycling isn’t just about teaching kids how to ride bikes; it’s about equipping them with life skills that go far beyond cycling.
Over the years I have seen the programing evolve to reach more youth of all backgrounds and socioeconomic status. I have come to know the families and supporters of this organization and hear about all the positive impact it has made in their riders lives. It's truly a beautiful thing to see how El Grupo contributes to long-term positive growth of its riders and the impact it has on the surrounding community.
From their participation in the Tucson cycling community, to their charitable work with other partner organizations and community clean up, they believe in building a better community through sport. The annual events like the Fall Fondo and the Scavenger Hunt are also fantastic ways to see the larger community involved with this organization.
For anyone looking for an organization that supports youth skill development and is a good community partner, El Grupo is that organization.
El Grupo is such an important asset for the Tucson community. Building new leaders via riding a bicycle! I served as the El Grupo Interim Executive Director for 6 months in early 2023. Since then I have watched it soar under its new ED, Denise Aquino. Denise and the El Grupo team are dedicated, passionate, experienced, and doing a tremendous job. I am always excited to hear what's next! Ride on El Grupo!
El Grupo has been a huge benefit to our child and family. Our son is an avid biker, but not interested in racing. El Grupo's Bikepacking team has given him a place to test his limits, engage in physical challenge, work with a team, build leadership skills and learn valuable bike mechanic skills. I believe his only critique would be that his team doesn't practice 7 days a week. No kidding. Our family has benefitted immensely from the community that El Grupo provides. As parents of kids on the Bikepacking team, we meet up several times a month socially. Honestly, I can't say enough good things about this organization. Kudos to the many people who have grown this organization over the years - we are direct beneficiaries of their vision and hard work.
I have been supporting El Grupo Youth Cycling for over 15 years. The organization provides youth with a physical exercise option not provided by most schools and emphasizes team work and the importance of school studies. The kids have options to participate in road racing, mountain biking or bike packing. They develop confidence, a sense of community and skills that can be used throughout their lives.
Our family has been involved with El Grupo for over 10 years. I am certain that the amazing programing and coaching has helped us to raise 2 boys in a crazy world. While the main activity is riding bikes and physical fitness, the coaching includes so much more. The youth in ALL programs learn self respect, responsibility for themselves and their teammates, leadership skills and the importance of a healthy body. Over the years we have seen many program participants move into coaching and leadership roles. To me this is an important measure of the success of El Grupo because those who have benefited from the programing are giving back to others.
El Grupo is an amazing organization our whole family has benefited from. Our son struggled to find an activity he enjoyed, he joined Grupito not long ago and the skills he has learned have greatly improved his behavior and self esteem. He is now more kind to himself, he is confident, productive, responsible at home and at school and I strongly believe it's from the coaches and volunteers he interacts with. Everyone is kind to him, they challenge and encourage him and have taught him to be his own rider. Our son has found a great community he has needed for a long time. Our whole family has been welcomed into El Grupo community and its made a positive impact on all of us. We love El Grupo and Grupito!
El Grupo (and its youth program, El Grupito) is a phenomenal program, that not only teaches children the skills to be great cyclists, but also teaches them to skills to become independent and productive young adults. Both of our children have been part of the program, and all the leaders, coaches, and volunteers have made their experiences memorable.
I have had the pleasure of witnessing the incredibly positive impact El Grupo has on the children and young adults of our community for a number of years both as an avid cyclist and a member of it's board of directors. El Grupo provides a shining example of how to empower youth to help them become productive members of society.
El Grupo Youth Cycling provides the avenue for children, and teens to become great citizens of our community. The mentorship that El Grupo provides shows kids that they can be deliberate with their actions and that they can become their best selves. I've seen kids garner great strength and wisdom by being part of a team and grow to be incredible human beings.
El Grupo is the finest youth organization I have ever been associated with. The programs that are offered to the young people are life enhancing and life changing. The kids going through the program routinely end up accomplishing way more than they ever thought possible. Many kids today don't thrive in traditional team sports and El Grupo provides a wonderful home for them. Whether they will never be fast or they are destined for the national team they all gain confidence, self respect, and the ability to function as part of the team with a higher level goal. They are great to watch in action!