(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – November 22, 2024) — Aoy Elementary School’s youngest learners are gearing up for fun and fitness thanks to a generous donation of 24 bikes, made possible through a partnership between HDR Engineering Company and All Kids Bike. The bikes, awarded to the school’s PE department through a grant, were unveiled during a special event on Friday, November 22.
Coach Adrian Flores, who has served in the district for more than 25 years, expressed his excitement over the donation, which aims to encourage Pre-K and kindergarten students to embrace a more active lifestyle.
“Today was like Christmas for me. It was wonderful to see the students’ faces light up when the bikes were unveiled,” said Coach Flores. “I know they’re all eager to ride them and everything, so this to me is the best thing to witness, when the kids get to see their bikes.
The bikes are part of an initiative to promote movement and reduce screen time for children, providing them with an opportunity to step away from their tablets and engage in physical activity. Students were selected to receive the bikes based on their individual needs.
“We want to make sure we get the kids up and moving. Hopefully, with the bikes, kids are going to give their devices a break and enjoy the outdoors,” Coach Flores added. “This is a great gift for the kids because now they can ride their bikes, and their parents can enjoy this activity with them. We can help create enjoyable memories for our families.”
Francisco Castro with HDR Engineering highlighted the company’s commitment to fostering community engagement and encouraging outdoor activities. “We’re always looking for opportunities to give back to the community and encourage kids to be more active,” said Castro. “HDR deals with a lot of bike plans, designing bike lanes, and making safe places for people who hike and bike, and this is a good way to expose children and students to the outdoors.”
The impact of the donation was immediately evident as students eagerly embraced their new bikes during the reveal.
“It’s rewarding today to see the kids enjoy their bikes,” said Castro. “It was great to see the eyes light up and everybody engage and eager to ride their new bikes."
Through this collaborative effort, Aoy Elementary hopes to inspire its young learners to prioritize health and wellness while creating lasting memories with their families.
