Gilbert Valley Lions Club Supports Local School

BY EMILY WILLIAMS

After three years of hard work, 20 refurbished mountain bikes and new helmets are now available for the the students of Riverton & District High School in South Australia. This has been made possible by a joint effort between the school, Gilbert Valley Lions Club and Bike SA, with funding support from the Australian Lions Foundation (ALF).

Fitness, low muscle-tone and opportunity for personal risk taking continue to be identified challenges that underpin the school’s HPE program. Short mountain bike programs have been undertaken in the past with excellent outcomes for fitness, balance, and enjoyment for the outdoors through the use of the bike trails adjacent to the school. With the arrival of these bikes, students will take part in a basic bike maintenance course to understand how to maintain and use the mountain bikes.

Students testing out the school’s new mountain bikes. Image: RDHS

This project touches many aspects of the Lions Ethos; supporting local community groups, supporting the youth, and continuing to create a circular economy, as suggested through the Lions Environment Portfolio. The funding assistance offered by the ALF also embraces the funds donated by Lions Members Australia-wide.

Special thanks to Patrick Williams from the Gilbert Valley Lions Club, Russell Miatke from Bike SA, the Australian Lions Foundation and Diane Allen from the school on a huge combined effort to make this project a reality.

The school can’t wait to see their students use these bikes over the coming years, exploring some of the local bike trails right on their doorstep.