No way around it, mountain biking is expensive. Race entries stack up fast. Travel costs hurt. Parts break. Lift tickets aren’t cheap. And if a young rider starts getting serious about chasing bigger goals, the costs can be prohibitive. That’s exactly why the Team GIVE’R Foundation created the GIVE’R Grant program.
The foundation awards two $3,000 mountain bike grants every summer to young riders between 12 and 18 years old living within 150 kilometres of Collingwood, Ontario or Rossland, British Columbia. The grants are designed to help young riders in downhill, enduro, cross-country and freeride continue progressing in the sport. But the foundation says the grants are about much more than just race results.
“It’s an overall character of the individual I think shines through first and foremost,” said board member James Frost. “The success and accolades definitely support those decisions, but it doesn’t mean if you’re the fastest you’re going to get the cash.”
Instead, the foundation is looking for young riders who are passionate about riding, committed to improving and genuinely embody what the organization calls the “GIVE’R mentality.”
“Give it all you got,” Frost said. “One hundred per cent commitment at all times. Try and give back where you can, be a good person and enjoy the experiences that you’re living right now.”
Built in memory of Kenneth McAlpine
The foundation was established in 2020 in memory of Kenneth McAlpine, a Collingwood local remembered by friends as deeply passionate about skiing, biking, cooking and helping young people.
McAlpine became widely known across Canada after appearing on The Amazing Race Canada alongside Ryan La Chappelle as “Team GIVE’R.”
According to Frost, the foundation grew directly out of that spirit.
“The progression of the foundation in Kenneth’s memory and honour was to start this foundation to give back to youth,” Frost explained.
The organization now supports skiing, mountain biking and culinary education initiatives across both Collingwood and Rossland: communities that were meaningful parts of McAlpine’s life.
More than just race results
If you want to apply, you’ll need to get an application in by June 21. You’ll need to send in application form, with a short video introducing themselves and explaining their goals with riding and what the money would be used for.
“We’re looking for kids that show a strong dedication and passion to their…
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