Members of Ground UP adventures youth racing team, END-FAST, led by Canadian Reid Nelson (age 17) are set to challenge ENDracing's END-AR24, the midwest regional championship race in the North American Adventure Race Series on August 24th and 25th. The event marks the first time a youth team will attempt to compete in such a challenging race, unassisted by adults. Other members of the team include Rosa Grijalva (age 15) and Elizabeth Carr (age 16).
I just received word that out of 31 applications for the State of North Dakota Tourism Expansion Grant, the Red River Boat House Project was number 1! What that means is that we've now got 24K of committed funding for the project. That's enough to buy two containers and pay for the modification of one of them, and possibly do some site development. Add to that a potential fundraiser by Cabelas for the dock and hopefull involvement from a few other awesome local businesses and we're finally getting somewhere!!! So excited!
It is absolutely empowering to watch some of our GUP kids these days. In particular I'm thinking of my recent experience watching three young women (aged 11-13) participate in the Dewey Duathlon in Grand Forks, ND, last saturday. The conditions were so grim for the race (rain, unseasonably cold temps, and brutal winds) that nearly 1/4 of the registered participants decided to stay in bed. But the girls showed. They had to get special permission to even enter the race (the organizers hadn't thought anyone so young would even imagine doing the whole thing...
The Ground UP climbing team travelled from the pond to the ocean this past weekend as they headed to Minneapolis to participate in one of the largest climbing competitions in the midwest, Vertical Endeavors "Jug or Not" event. All 11 team members, 4 of the coaches, and one team parent ended up challenging themselves against the massive 60+ foot walls and extraordinarily deep field of competitors. The kids all did fabulously well and exemplified our team rules - they had fun, climbed hard enough to fall, and were supportive of each other.
A big thanks to the Coalition for a Healthy Greater Grand Forks for providing $500 of assistance this spring for Ground UP adventures adventure programming! The funds will be used to help pay for goodies that will be enjoyed by participants of the Family Adventure Race, and to help offset costs and provide supplies for the Adventure Racing Camp slated for mid June. We can't thank them enough for their support of our endeavors!
The Extreme North Dakota Future of Adventure Sports Team, END-FAST, has had a busy February. Elizabeth Carr, aged 15, competed in the Grand Forks winter series. She placed second in the 5K frozen feat and second in the beginners category at Bikecicle, both held on February 16th. She went on to place third overall in the Yetiess (solo) category at ENDracing's Iceman Triathlon on Saturday, Feb. 23rd. Her efforts led her to the top spot in the series overall.
Matt Olson, one of the members of Ground UP adventures new climbing team, heads to St. Paul Minnesota to compete in a regional climbing competition this weekend. Matt has been working hard and getting stronger, and we wish him luck! Climb Hard!
Jim Grijalva, Ground UP adventures Vice Chairman, wears many hats. In addition to his roles as a law professor, non-profit board member, husband, and hockey dad, he also plays the role of farmer. An ice farmer. Grijalva's dedication to this strange craft has paid off this year as he's successfully created the regions only ice climbing wall! The Grand Forks Herald sent a few reporters out to capture the story, so we'll let their words do the talking. Click HERE for the story.
"Having inspirational people around me during the camp motivated me to do my best."
-- Erin Peck after the 2012 Adventure Racing Camp
"Climbing club rocks! Alison is my favorite coach - she is so goofy and makes climbing super fun!"
--Asaliah, Age 8
