E_News

THE OUTDOOR INDUSTRY WOMEN'S COALITION HONORS THE QUEEN BELLA AT INTERBIKE

Velo Bella – Kona is proud to announce our co-founder and Queen Bella, Sabine Dukes will be honored by the Outdoor Industry Women’s Coalition (OIWC) during a ceremony and reception at Interbike on Thursday, October 27, 2007. Sabine’s dedication to making the sport fun and inviting to women of all ages will be recognized with the OIWC’s First Ascent Award.

This award recognizes a woman new to the industry who demonstrates strong potential for leadership. This award furthers the vision of OIWC by increasing visibility of talented young women at lower levels in an organization, thereby facilitating and nurturing their leadership skills.

Sabine co-created Velo Bella and says of her organization, which is staffed entirely by volunteers, “Our mission is to encourage women to take up the sport of cycling. We hope to encourage women by showing how much fun the sport can be. We have a great time, and we hope it shows. We do have a race-focused interest, but welcome any women interested to our team. We have no membership fees and the only requirement of the team is to purchase a jersey, participate in at least one race, and to have fun.”

In her nomination, Sabine is praised as being an inspiration to women everywhere. “In 2001 or 2002 she and a friend founded a cycling club with one mission in mind: Cute uniforms. The group has evolved into Velo Bella, a worldwide collection of pro and amateur racers and rec riders spreading the message that strong women can look good and have fun on a bike. The pros are always race-favorites among the 6-year-old girls at races because of their sassy uniforms. And they inspire women everywhere to be a part of their club and join the party.”

Sabine will receive a scholarship to a Strozzi Institute for Leadership workshop in Petaluma, CA. The popular four-day workshop, “Leadership in Action 1: Principles and Practices,” is valued at $2500.

Velo Bella - Kona is a non-profit, grassroots, multidiscipline cycling team based out of Watsonville, CA with chapters around the US. Velo Bella’s contagious spirit and unique approach to women’s competitive cycling have created a following across the United States and around the world. The Bellas encourage women to cycle, no matter what their level. The distinctive Velo Bella kit can be found on recreational riders, elite level racers, and all those in between. More information on Velo Bella can be found on their website: www.velobella.org .

www