The Oneida Indian Nation Bike Rodeo returned July 13 to the Nation Recreation Center, welcoming dozens of enthusiastic Nation Member and community youth. Oneida Indian Nation Police Officers and Housing Department staff set out an obstacle course for the bikers to test and learn new riding skills. Scooters were also a popular choice for the youth to practice with. Participants all had an opportunity to try the course while being guided by the officers before heading inside to enjoy a healthy lunch served up by new Youth Development and Recreation Supervisor Brandon Inman and members of the Summer Jam team.
Jay Blazek and members of the Team of The Northern American Indian Tour for the Health of Young People (NAIT4HP) joined the Bike Rodeo, sharing words of encouragement and experience with the riders as well as donating 15 brand new bikes to the Nation. Some of the bikes were given away to lucky winners of a drawing, while the others will be kept at the Recreation Center for future use.
Jay has been on a 5,000 mile bike journey from the west coast to the east, visiting several tribal nations along the way to promote cultural, behavioral and sustainable environmental practices. The Oneida Indian Nation was his second-to-last stop as he plans to end the 70-day tour at the Mashantucket community in Connecticut July 17.
“It has been such a great journey,” said Jay, who has conducted bike rodeos at several of his stops. “Being able to help a child gain the confidence to ride a bike, something they’ve been afraid to try, is such a great feeling. And the reception by the tribal nations has been incredible.”
For more information about Jay and the NAIT4HP, visit www.nait4hyp.com.
