This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) introduced a resolution to create “National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day,” in order to motivate young people to be physically active and fit.
The Jefferson Post
This afternoon, U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) introduced a resolution to create “National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day,” in order to motivate young people to be physically active and fit.
“Obesity among American adolescents has nearly tripled since 1980 and this can be traced in large part to lack of exercise,” said Rep. Foxx. “Mountain biking is a fun and healthy activity that residents of the Fifth District can do literally in their own backyards.”
The Congresswoman was inspired to create the day by the memory of Jacob “Jack” Mock Doub, a teenage mountain biking enthusiast from Statesville, N.C. who passed away in October 2002. Jack was introduced to mountain biking at age 11 near Grandfather Mountain, N.C. He quickly became a talented cyclist and won nearly every cross-country race he entered. His greatest passion, however, was encouraging other young people to take up the sport. He would often skip chances to spend time with his friends in order to teach other kids to ride.
Sadly, Jack passed away due to complications from a bicycling injury. In honor of Jack, his family and friends have joined the International Mountain Bicycling Association in encouraging children to learn to ride and lead a physically active lifestyle.
“I urge my colleagues to honor the memory of Jack Doub and motivate other children to be healthy by voting to establish “National Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day,” said Rep. Foxx.
