CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte woman plans to cycle across the country to raise awareness and support for youth mentoring programs.
Janiva Willis, former NCAA Woman of the Year and founder of I Dream in Colors, a not-for-profit mentoring organization in Charlotte will lead the inaugural DREAM Challenge Tour.
The tour is a cross country cycling and youth empowerment tour to raise awareness and funds in support of youth mentoring.
The ride begins in San Diego, CA on March 26, 2016 beginning the 78-day trek back to Charlotte, NC. The tour will hosts more than 50 community outreach projects, motivational pep rallies, and will benefit a network of not-for profit mentoring organizations across the country in partnership with I Dream in Colors Inc.
The I Dream in Colors organization is committed to providing positive life opportunities to youth from low socioeconomic backgrounds and in need of additional academic and life support through mentoring.
Youth, families and communities have the opportunity to participate with the DREAM Challenge Team in a variety of family friendly activities along the tour path. Participants can also enjoy motivational speeches and live entertainment from community leaders, local and national recording artists, and celebrities and athletes in support of youth mentoring.
“We are truly excited to be leading this initiative in support of youth mentoring opportunities for youth in Charlotte, NC and across the country. The powerful impact that mentoring can have in supporting positive life outcomes and closing opportunity gaps for youth is vital to the success and continued growth of our youth, families, and communities academically, professionally, and economically. There is a huge need for youth to feel hope and supported on their journey to achieve their dreams. We feel this tour provides them with those things,” states Janiva Willis, founder and Director of the Dream Challenge Tour.
Riders may join Willis and the DREAM Challenge Team during the final ride of the tour into Charlotte on June 11, 2016 through registering online for the DREAM Challenge Tour.
The ride starts in Rock Hill, SC and finishes in the heart of uptown Charlotte carrying the torch for students’ dreams across the finish line.
Donations, sponsors, and volunteers are encouraged to participate and register online. With WCCB Charlotte and VH1 Save The Music Foundation serving as media sponsors and the support and collaboration of our partners, this tour will be a journey of a lifetime. Friends and neighbors in each community along the tour path are also encouraged to participate as virtual riders and cheer the DREAM team on along the route. The DREAM Challenge Tour is a historical event that aims to bridge the gap for so many kids nationwide.
