A not-for-profit organization is looking to launch three new projects this year, supporting student-athletes in cycling, through high school and post-secondary, and into their careers.
The was established in Squamish in January 2025, and ran a student-enhancement project last month, consisting of workshops and consultations, to support student-athletes' athletics training concurrently with their academic studies in all forms of education.
The foundation's board will select a limited number of applicants for student-enhancement camps each year, to offset student-athletes' training and academic expenses, and to direct resources to areas or professions that may be underfunded or overlooked by other funding sources, for example by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS), which does not yet recognize mountain biking as a varsity sport.
"We want to provide human capital by facilitating resources and support to student-athletes in their concurrent learning, not just bike racers; the most meaningful education I had was through team sports," said the foundation's president Joel Harwood, who is also a former teacher at Howe Sound Secondary and rugby player.
"Parents don't necessarily understand the complementary nature of sports and academics; the students are left to figure it out for themselves," he added.
"We want to help them pursue their passions holistically, rather than struggling to balance them."
New projects
After the success of last month's student-enhancement camp, a personalized training environment with only eight spots, Harwood hopes the foundation may launch three new projects throughout this year, eventually reaching broader audiences with the inclusion of remote workshops, and through collaboration with other Squamish community members and businesses, such as his coaching practice , among others.
Harwood explained that new projects will involve the foundation directly covering two student-athletes' training costs for the year, in exchange for their mentorship of younger student-athletes, and offering ongoing educational and support services such as counselling and academic planning as the organization builds.
‘No brainer’ for Sea to Sky
"We're hoping to leverage the passionate people who believe in our mandate to both educate and empower; we are seeking business, mentors, and community members who want to give back," Harwood said about sponsorship opportunities.
"Our camps have been designed to ensure student-athletes transition seamlessly from the off-season into early competition, focusing on mental performance, endurance and skill development, and gap analysis."
Essentially, the foundation works to foster long-term change by addressing root causes of sustainable success, according to Harwood.
The foundation is made up of business owners, certified educators, coaches, athletes and fundraisers.
Harwood described the establishment of the foundation in the Sea to Sky Corridor a 'no-brainer,' with mountain biking athletes travelling nationwide to train in Squamish specifically.
Applications are ongoing, and student-athletes are encouraged to reach out directly to the Beyond Biking team to express their interest.
Find out more about the foundation, its projects, and sponsorship opportunities
