Business, Free News Articles, Manufacturing, Product Launches, Sports and Activities

Epix Gear Launches Made in the USA Custom-Designed Sports Apparel

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- Colorado-based sports apparel company, Epix Gear, has announced the re-shoring of their apparel production with the opening of a made in the USA facility in Tempe, Arizona.

The newly-established venture named Race Rabbit Manufacturing will produce the full range of custom-designed apparel Epix offers, including triathlon, cycling, and running styles.

"Epix has produced in China since 2009. We made the decision to move production back to the US as the business landscape has changed and US production is now a good choice for small, niche manufacturers," said Jarek Barc, President at Epix Gear. "Through moving our production, we are supporting new jobs and growth in the local economy. It's a move that resonates with our clients."

Barc added: "US manufacturing is cost competitive for a specific product range and requirements. When it comes to custom-designed performance sports apparel in small or even individual order quantities, we've found that there is no longer a relevant cost advantage to offshore production."

Epix Gear is a family-owned and operated brand that creates custom-designed apparel for teams, coaches, events, universities, organizations, as well as individual athletes. The Race Rabbit facility imports only the raw materials for production, such as fabrics and trims, mostly from Italy. All assembly is done in-house with fully-integrated sublimation printing, laser cutting, stitching and packaging.

"The new facility is specifically designed for the new custom apparel landscape. Our US production will allow unparalleled flexibility and speed," said Barc. "With our partnership with Race Rabbit, Epix can expand it's ability to offer an even more personalized experience, with customization options on retail apparel, tailored fit, and production view which will allow customers to see photos and videos of their product as it's being created, not to mention shorter lead times and a quicker response."

He added, "This transparency in production is especially unique; the production space has always been considered a 'black box' because brands didn't want to showcase where their products were made. We've had a very positive response from customers when they see the work, technology, and attention to details that goes into making their apparel. We are excited to open this new chapter."

Almost 8 in 10 American consumers say they would rather buy an American-made product than an imported one, according to a Consumer Reports survey. And more than 60 percent say they're even willing to pay 10 percent more for it. The US government has recently urged US companies to move out of China and reshore jobs, though the vast majority of those who have moved out of China did not reshore manufacturing to the US and instead moved to a different offshore sourcing country.

Learn more at: https://epixgear.com/

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Related link: https://epixgear.com/

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Advertising and Marketing, Business, Free News Articles, Software, Sports and Activities

TeamSnap Appoints Tech Leaders to Executive Team

BOULDER, Colo. -- TeamSnap CEO and co-founder Dave DuPont announced today new additions to its executive team. Global tech leader Woody Hartman joins TeamSnap as President and Head of Product, overseeing business operations for the industry-leading sports platform. Partnership executive Alex Underwood has been named General Manager of Advertising and Commerce.

Overall, TeamSnap supports nearly 23 million users, 3 million unique teams and 19,000 clubs across 100 different sports.

"As we all look forward to getting back to play, TeamSnap's commitment to supporting sports teams, clubs and leagues remains as strong ever," said DuPont. "Bolstering our leadership team with Woody and Alex fortifies our foundation for growth and long-term success. They will help ensure TeamSnap takes a leading role in helping all youth and recreational sports rebound from the shutdown as soon as possible."

Woody Hartman - President and Head of Product

Woody Hartman joins TeamSnap as the company's President and Head of Product. Reporting directly to DuPont, Hartman is leading TeamSnap's global business operations and product strategy. In the newly created role, Hartman is managing product development, platform expansion, growth and marketing with a focus on providing solutions and tools for teams and sports organizations.

Hartman brings TeamSnap a wealth of tech experience, most recently as Vice President of Global Operations at Lyft. As an early leader of the popular ridesharing service, Hartman oversaw business operations through an exciting period of expansion, success, and change that ultimately included managing 1,000+ employees, and millions of drivers around the world.

Hartman is also an avid mountain climber who summited Mount Everest and the highest peak on every continent last year.

"TeamSnap is a passionate and tech-savvy company with a big heart and an unwavering commitment to sports," said Hartman. "I am thrilled to be working with Dave to lead such an innovative team. This is a pivotal time for amateur sports in the United States and around the world. TeamSnap is incredibly well-positioned to provide the technology and infrastructure required for sports communities to continue playing, growing and having fun."

Alex Underwood - General Manager of Advertising and Commerce

Underwood is charged with growing TeamSnap's advertising and ecommerce business. This includes building strategic partnerships that connect like-minded brands to the millions of sports families on the platform every day. TeamSnap is expanding its brand integration opportunities and curating dynamic new content that provides customers with valued-added offers and experiences.

Underwood joins TeamSnap from Spotify where he was the Vice President and Global Head of Strategic Partnerships and Verticals, playing a key role in driving revenue to well over $500 million. His accomplishments include launching and scaling Spotify's successful global sales unit, including the global agency, global vertical, trading and audience solutions teams.

"TeamSnap has a stellar reputation as a trusted platform that connects family decision-makers and athletes to brands in an authentic way, which remains more important than ever," said Underwood. "Adding to this authenticity is the rich contextual nature of the platform. I am looking forward to working with the creative team here to help our partners develop innovative ways to engage and support our network of busy parents and families."

@TeamSnap #YouthSports #SportTech

About TeamSnap

Since our formation in 2009, TeamSnap has been single-mindedly focused on taking the work out of play. Over 22 million coaches, administrators, players and parents rely on TeamSnap's powerful and easy-to-use tools for communication, scheduling, payment collection and registration, organizing every sport and group activity in the world. For more information, visit: https://www.teamsnap.com/

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*Caption: Global tech leader Woody Hartman joins TeamSnap as President and Head of Product, overseeing business operations for the industry-leading sports platform. Partnership executive Alex Underwood has been named General Manager of Advertising and Commerce.

Related link: https://www.teamsnap.com/

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Business, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities, Travel and Tourism

Whitewater Rafting Season Begins in West Virginia

OAK HILL, W.Va. -- New River Gorge, whitewater rafting outfitters are excited to begin their 2020 season following guidelines set in place by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice to modify operational procedures in order to provide COVID-19 safety precautions for outfitter guests and staff. ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill, West Virginia is excited to get back out on the river, after taking the past two months to make improvements to their 1,500-acre resort.

"We're looking forward to offering America's best whitewater again. After so much time cooped up at home we feel that a short drive to West Virginia for a rafting trip in the remote and scenic New River Gorge followed up by a night in one of our freestanding mountain cabins is just what people are craving!" said Haynes Mansfield, Marketing Director at ACE Adventure Resort. "We're closely following all guidelines from the state as they are being announced to ensure our guests can focus on having fun on the river, in our cabins, or any one of our on base activities."

The New River Gorge is located in a 70,000-acre scenic National River the provides guests of all experience levels opportunities to ride roller coaster like waves, breathe fresh mountain air, and bask in the nearly untouched, natural beauty of the Mountain State. This year ACE is offering free rafting trips on the family friendly Upper section of the New River Gorge to any child 6-11 years old that is accompanied by a full paying adult.

Guests will feel the wind in their hair as they soar through the treetops on ACE's 9 line zipline course, with exclusive views overlooking the The New River Gorge.

The Resort also offers mountain biking rentals, and miles of on site hiking trails as well as other guided adventures that will soon be opening. Private cabin rentals are also available for those wanting a full getaway in the mountains of West Virginia. All state and federal guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing cabins and equipment will be stringently followed.

For more information on ACE Adventure Resort, please visit https://aceraft.com/

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Related link: https://aceraft.com/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

University of Los Angeles College of Divinity Captures The First National Championship of March Madness

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- In only its third season of fielding a men's basketball team the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) overcomes all odds to win the ACCA national championship in Joplin, Missouri.

Despite an overall season record of 27-1 ULACD received a four (4) seed entering the first National Championship tournament of March Madness March 4-7, 2020 hosted by the Association of Christian College Athletics (ACCA) at Ozark Christian College in Joplin, Missouri.

In the first game ULACD faced off against fifth seed Baptist Bible College from Missouri, the Alma Mater of famed evangelist Jerry Falwell. Baptist Bible College came into the game with a record of 16-7 led by Missouri Hall of Fame coach Darin Meinders. Despite playing less than an hour away from their campus in Springfield, Missouri, Baptist Bible College fell 106-92 to ULACD in a sloppy high scoring hard played contest. Both teams combined for 39 turnovers and 45 fouls but ULACD led at half time 53-38 and dominated with points at the free throw line 26-11.

ULACD was led by Jerron Wilbut's 37 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Wilbut went 13/15 from the free throw line, missing his last two throws and 4/6 from the 3 point line. Junior point guard KV Myricks scored 20 points while grabbing 7 rebounds and handing out 3 assists. Back-up forward Johan Meclot came off the bench and recorded a double-double of 10 rebounds and 10 points with 2 assists. Second team All-American Troy Biglow scored 11 points in only 13 minutes of action while battling foul trouble. Kelton Conway added 12 points and 6 rebounds as he was the fifth ULACD player to be in double Figures.

In the end ULACD followed coach Miller's formula of establishing superior field goal percentage shooting almost 61% while holding Baptist Bible College to only 39%. Baptist Bible College was only able to stay in the game by shooting an amazing 48 3 point field goals.

In the National Semi-Final ULACD faced Off against number 1 seed Champion Christian College (CCC) from Hot Springs, Arkansas and their coach Leonard Epps. ULACD and CCC played an entertaining back and forth affair with 12 lead changes and 5 ties. ULACD was down 41-37 while Shooting only 34% at half but outscored the top seeded team by 12 while shooting 60.7% in the second half 47-35.

ULACD finally prevailed 84-76 winning the assist matchup 19 to 11 while shooting 16/19 from the free throw line. ULACD was led by Sophomore second team All-American Troy Biglow's dominating performance with 30 points and 15 rebounds in 40 minutes of game action. Honorable Mention All-American KV Myricks had another stellar effort of 18 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds. Playing a complete game Despite shooting only 1/6 at the three point line, Senior Jerron Wilbut nearly had a triple double with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Kelton Conway again talked double figures with 15 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 30 minutes of action.

In the Championship game ULACD took on the home team Ozark Christian College (OCC) and their veteran coach Chris Lahm, an excellent Coach with over 600 career wins at the Four-Year college level. Although the home crowd loudly cheered OCC throughout, the visiting team from Compton, California finally prevailed 97-89.

ULACD led at halftime 52-45 despite having cumbersome foul trouble. Despite being the smaller Team ULACD won the battle of the boards in the first half 19-17 and had 13 first assists at half time compared to only 4 for OCC. ULACD also won the shooting percentage war shooting 54.5% from the floor compared to 45% for OCC; and 54.5% from the three point line compared to 38.5% for OCC.

In the final stanza ULACD outscored OCC 45-44 while shooting 44.7% to 42.9% for the home team. ULACD overcame an outstanding free throw effort by OCC who made 22/24 foul shots for the game. OCC with a bigger and deeper team, ultimately won the battle of the boards in the end 43-38. ULACD won the assist battle 20-13 in the end.

Leading the team to victory for ULACD was tournament MVP and 1st team All-American Jerron Wilbut who tallied 31 points, 5 assists and 8 rebounds. OCC played excellent defense causing the ULACD starting backcourt, of Juniors Dupree Mitchell and KV Myricks, to combine for a season low 10 points. Reserve freshman guard Devone Brown scored 11 points and added 4 rebounds off the bench.

The difference in the game was the ULACD starting forwards, both Junior College transfers. Junior small forward Kelton Conway was the key to the game making 5/10 three point field goals, while adding 8 rebounds and 5 assists for a total of 22 points. Complimenting Conway was fellow El Camino Real HS graduate sophomore forward Troy Biglow who added 17 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in limited Minutes due to fouling out. Reserve senior forward Johan Meclot came off the bench and played outstanding defense while grabbing 6 rebounds and scoring 6 difference making points.

The exciting championship game had 6 lead changes. In the end and Against all odds ULACD cut down the nets and captured their first National Championship in only their third year of having a men's basketball program.

In the victory, ULACD Head Coach Michael Miller made history by becoming the first coach to win a high school state title, a junior college state title and a national title.

Coach Miller was the first Coach in the history of California to coach both a high school (Ribet Academy 1990-91) and junior college teams (Los Angeles City College 1997-98 and 2002-03) to state titles.

With ULACD's surprising string of victories in the ACCA's 38th annual national tournament; Coach Miller's added national championship (ULACD 2019-20) set a new trifecta record never before achieved by any basketball coach.

More information on ULACD: http://universityoflosangeles.org/

Related link: http://www.universityoflosangeles.org/

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Business, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

Brazilians want to make an impact during FlatOutFriday

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- It was only six years ago when the first official Flat Track competition took place in Brazil, with only ten to fifteen riders. Now, there are over fourteen teams around the country, and the Brazilian Flat Track League will have nine riders racing during FlatOutFriday (FOF) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 13. The group is looking forward to making a good impression during FOF 2020.

Flat track racing hit the country following the North American flat track tradition, and using the American culture as reference. Mostly running H-D Sportsters.

Racer Chrys Miranda was the first Brazilian ever invited to FlatOutFriday, back in 2019. His experience and networking paved the way for the group's record participation at this year's event. The team will also have the first Brazilian woman to race in international flat competition.

"This is an important moment for the sport in Brazil, and to be part of an event as big as FlatOutFriday brings visibility to our efforts, and our racers. It also helps to spread the word in our country, the sport becomes better known, and, consequently, more people will become interested," says Miranda. "With that, not only are we are keeping the tradition, but bringing more people to the race and, consequently, new athletes and collaborations."

Miranda, who has been involved with the motorcycle culture in Brazil and the United States for decades, is one of the newly formed Brazilian Flat Track League founders. The League's vision is to develop and foster the sport in Brazil, by introducing regulations, classes, and an official circuit calendar.

Events like "Lucky Friends Rodeo" and "BMS Motorcycle" already host some of the biggest Flat Track races in Brazil. In conjunction with showcasing builders, shops, and artists, both events are good examples of how the culture is growing in the country.

"We want to keep the tradition rolling," says Flávio Luz, from Lucky Friends Rodeo who is another one of the League's founders. "By introducing norms and new classes to the races in Brazil, we want to open opportunities to a broader group of people. It will not only help disseminate the sport but will bring attention to the professionals and the technology involved in all of the aspects of this race."

The Brazilian FT League also has Cezinha Mocelin, founder of BMS Motorcycle, and Marcelo Creck, founder of Lucky Friends Rodeo, in its board.

Jeremy Prach, founder of FlatOutFriday and Mama Tried, feels that having the Brazilian racers at the events in 2020 is a big deal. "Who've thought that this culture that we have has touched people so far away. For that, I am most proud", said Jeremy.

Motorcycle in Brazil

Data from 2018, shows that Brazil holds the largest South American motorcycle fleet, and it's the 8th country in the world, with a fleet of over 26 million registered bikes and a market share in constant growth.

Instagram: @timegmflattrack - https://www.instagram.com/timegmflattrack/

Social: #flatrackBR #FlatOutFriday

Media Contact in the United States (media only):
Gabriela Hoover
+1 (315) 221 0422 (media only)
gabihoover[at]estrangera.com

Related link: https://www.instagram.com/timegmflattrack/

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Business, Free News Articles, Sports and Activities

The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia Leaders and Achievers Gala – Keynote by Doug Pederson, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. -- The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia hosted its fourth annual Leaders & Achievers Gala at the Philadelphia Country Club on March 4. This event provides critical resources for TFT of Greater Philadelphia to positively impact the lives of over 30,000 young people in the region, and to forward their mission of teaching life skills and core values through the game of golf.

Doug Pederson, Head Coach of the Philadelphia Eagles gave the keynote speech. He talked about how his work and life align with the First Tee Nine Core Values: Honesty, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Respect, Confidence, Responsibility, Perseverance, Courtesy, and Judgement. "I think about what perseverance has meant in my life...you guys have witnessed it with our team," commented Pederson. "It taught me that hard work does pay off."

Over 320 guests attended the event. Guests included current and past First Tee students, Doug and Jeannie Pederson, John Clark NBC10, Mike Quick (First Tee Board Member), Fred Baxter (former NFL player and First Tee coach) and Beasley Reece (broadcaster, NFL player and president of NFL Alumni Association), Mark Peterson (the Executive Director of the Golf Association of Philadelphia) and Mike Bucci (former Major League Baseball player and First Tee Coach).

The First Tee is a youth development organization that introduces the game of golf and its inherent values to young people. They positively impact the lives of kids by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

"An event like this allows us to increase the number of kids we serve each year," commented Bill Hyndman, Executive Director of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia. "In the last year we went from serving 19,000 kids to 30,000 kids. That can only be done with the kind of support an event like this provides."

Learn more at: https://www.firstteephiladelphia.org/

Related link: https://www.firstteephiladelphia.org/

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Alliances and Partnerships, Business, Free News Articles, Software, Sports and Activities

Louisiana Soccer Association Adds TeamSnap As New Technology Partner

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Louisiana Soccer Association, a state association of the United States Soccer Federation, announced today it has signed a new technology partnership with TeamSnap, the leader in integrated sports management.

With the multi-year agreement, TeamSnap becomes the official club and team management solution for Louisiana Soccer Association. Overall, TeamSnap will support more than 35,000 administrators, coaches, volunteers, and soccer families across 56 member clubs affiliated with the Louisiana Soccer Association.

"This is an exciting new partnership that will give our clubs, teams and families access to a suite of connected solutions to streamline the soccer season. TeamSnap is a proven winner that will help our member organizations cut down on administration hassles and allow our coaches and volunteers to stay focused on growing the game across Louisiana," said Tucker Reynolds, Executive Director, Louisiana Soccer Association.

As the sport management industry leader, TeamSnap supports more than 22 million users, 3 million unique teams and 19,000 clubs across 100 different sports. Soccer is the most popular sport on the platform accounting for 26% of all teams.

"The growth of soccer across Louisiana is a testament to the leadership and commitment from Louisiana Soccer Association and its network of coaches and volunteers," said Greg Ludke, General Manager, Sports Organizations, TeamSnap. "We are looking forward to delivering a comprehensive sports management solution that empowers clubs and helps to minimize administrative distractions throughout the season."

TeamSnap has successful partnerships with hundreds of major soccer organizations across North America including Oklahoma Soccer Association and Chicago Fire Juniors.

About TeamSnap

Founded in 2009, TeamSnap has changed the way people manage sports and group activities. Today, over 22 million coaches, administrators, players and parents rely on TeamSnap's powerful but easy-to-use solutions for communication, scheduling, payment collection, registration and much more. With TeamSnap, organizers save time, can focus on the game, and ultimately take the work out of play(tm). For more information, visit https://www.TeamSnap.com.

About Louisiana Soccer Association

The Louisiana Soccer Association (LSA) is a non-profit organization with the primary objective of teaching sportsmanship, discipline, leadership, teamwork and physical conditioning through the playing and promotion of soccer. The association provides administrative assistance and support to its affiliated clubs. LSA support includes player, coaching and referee development, as well as parental education. State Cup tournaments are held each year for both Adults and Youth, as well as the US Youth Soccer Kohl's American Cup for youth recreational players. The LSA also runs the Olympic Development Program for the state. Learn more: http://www.playlouisianasoccer.org/

Twitter: @TeamSnap @LSASoccer #YouthSports #PlayLouisianaSoccer #SportTech

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*Photo caption: Louisiana Soccer Association Adds TeamSnap As New Technology Partner.

Related link: https://www.teamsnap.com/

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University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) and Coach Mike Miller Notch Nations Second Best Two-Year Record of 56-4 Among All Four-Year Colleges from 2018-19 to 2019-20

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The Association of Christian College Athletics announce 2020 Championship Tournament Bracket. Despite a wonderful record of 27-1 the University of Los Angeles College of Divinity (ULACD) has a very tough road ahead as the fourth seed.

It all starts Thursday with a game against Baptist Bible College from Missouri, famous for being the Alma Mater of Liberty University founder Jerry Falwell. The game will be televised live on the ACCA YouTube channel at 2:30 p.m. Central Time on March 5, 2020. The game can be seen at: http://youtube.com/accasports.

In the same bracket is top seeded Champion Christian College from Hot Springs Arkansas. Both Baptist Bible College and Champion Christian College have outstanding experienced coaches that boast high scoring teams with excellent deep shooting guards.

Those styles contrast with ULACD which is defensive focused and prideful about those defensive efforts. One example of that came on January 12, 2020 when Coach Michael (Mike) Miller beamed after the 81-48 victory against Cety's University, from Mexico. On the Coach Miller post game show coach Miller was asked by TV personality Ronnie Wald about the effort in the nights home court victory over the high scoring Mexican University who tallied 99 points in a win the night before.

Dr. Miller noted the pregame goal to hold the high scoring team to 50 points was achieved with great intensity of effort and the leadership of Senior returning ACCA 1st team All-American Jerron Wilbut (23.5 ppg, 9 rpg and 5 apg) and Junior team captain Dupree Mitchell (10 ppg and 4 apg).

Notably the third year team from Compton with no one taller than 6'4 and a roster of nine players has been consistently tough Defensively, especially in the latter part of the season. Junior college transfers, forward Troy Biglow (22 ppg and 8 rpg), guard KV Myricks (15.5 ppg and 3.5 apg) and Kelton Conway (11ppg, 4 rpg and 3apg) have made outstanding contributions to the defensive effort and also averaged double figures in points. Other team members are freshmen newcomers Samuel Rodrigues, Devone Brown and Josh Thompson and returning senior Johan Meclot (6 ppg and 5 rpg) as well as returning sophomore Dutch Samples.

The assistant coaches are Isaac Gordon and Wendell Westbrook, who was alongside coach Michael "Mike" Miller for over a decade at Los Angeles City College "LACC" during the record-breaking run of 14 straight conference championships. Coach Westbrook was the associate head coach at LACC from 1999-2000 to 2006-07 when the LACC teams compiled an overall record of 241-38 in eight seasons with a winning percentage of .864, exceeding all NCAA Division I Programs during the same time period.

More information on ULACD: http://universityoflosangeles.org/

Related link: http://www.universityoflosangeles.org/

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Business, Entertainment, Free News Articles, Regional Events, Sports and Activities

First female Brazilian pilot to race FlatOutFriday

MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- MILWAUKEE, Wis., March 3, 2020 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Brazilian entrepreneur, Bruna Wladyka, is scheduled to be Royal Enfield's substitute racer in its "Built Train Race" (BTR) program, during the team's first race at FlatOutFriday in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, March 13.

Her inclusion in the program is a major step for the female motorcycle community in Brazil since this is the first time a Brazilian woman, motorcycle enthusiast, and advocate, is invited to an event of such impact. She will race among men and women in the 749 Twin class.

Wladyka's efforts to make motorcycling more accessible to Brazilian women are notorious. She is the founder of #ElasPilotam (translates to #SheRides), a movement that prioritizes sorority and empowers women, who already are involved in this universe, to take leadership roles in their bikes and lives. During FlatOutFriday, she will also be the only South American woman to take part in the races in Milwaukee.

In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bruna will race in place of professional pilot Melissa Paris, who, at the time, will be in Daytona, Florida. As the surprised from the invitation sets in, Bruna is wasting no time to get ready. Back in Curitiba (PR), Brazil, she is training with other eight pilots, from team FlatTrack BR.

"I've been involved with the Flat Track team in Brazil for years, but I've never really raced. The FlatOutFriday race will be my first big competition. To be standing alongside women who are so empowered in this segment is real pressure. I feel grateful for being able to represent Brazilian women, and I hope to do it with honors," says Bruna. This is the second year the Brazilian group come to FlatOutFriday.

BREAKING BARRIERS: beyond the track

Bruna's participation at FlatOutFriday is a significant milestone because it also shows the industry's recognition of the women's involvement in the Brazilian bike scene. By taking part in a program such as BTR's, she increases awareness about all the opportunities for women in the two wheels universe, from being a rider to taking active roles in fabrication and market decisions.

The growth of #ElasPilotam movement in such a small period of time in Brazil is one of the proofs of how the female riding community needed an outlet to connect around the country. Besides the initiative, Bruna also fosters the motorcycling niche through events like the BMS Motorcycle, and the only Wall of Death show in Latin America.

Note about BTR Program

Royal Enfield's BTR Program highlights women and motorcycle culture in a format that brings riders from different backgrounds to race a custom flat track motorcycle - the base model for this program is Enfield's Intercontinental 650 Twin. Besides Melissa and Bruna, the group also has photographer Lana McNaughton, founder of the Women's Moto Exhibit, from Oregon, motorcycle enthusiast Jillian Deschenes, from Minnesota; and DIY shop owner Andrea Lothrop, from Canada.

More information: https://www.royalenfieldna.com/build-train-race/

#ELASPILOTAM - https://www.elaspilotam.com/

*PHOTO link for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/20-0302s2p-Bruna-Wladyka-300dpi.jpg
Caption: Bruna Wladyka at Royal Enfield's dealer in Curitiba, PR, Brazil. Photo Credit: Atomus Agencia.

Related link: https://www.elaspilotam.com/

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Team Rio National and Sports U announce merger to create Team Rio University

COLTS NECK, N.J. -- Team Rio National and Sports U are proud to announce a collaboration and combination of NJ's most successful grassroots basketball programs over the last decade with the creation of Team Rio University (Rio U). As an Under Armour Association sponsored program, Team Rio University is able to deliver a complete student-athlete basketball development and educational advancement program.

Players will have access and support to the finest coaches, trainers, mentors, and educators to reach their potential on the court, in the classroom, and in life.

Over the last decade, the combined programs have graduated over one hundred NCAA Division 1 scholarship athletes, seven McDonald's All Americans, and eight NBA players.

"Eight years ago we created Team Rio National because we wanted a comprehensive academic and basketball development experience for a group of passionate local players. Over the years, the formula has proven successful and we would like to extend the opportunities to more student-athletes in the tri-state area. By combining forces with Sports U, Team Rio University can extend its reach and help impact more youth players throughout the region," said Brian Klatsky, founder of Team Rio National.

Former Big East head coach and Team Rio coach, Mike Rice added "We have a tremendous amount of respect for Brian Coleman and his accomplishments with Sports U are immense. We now unite and marry the two strongest grassroots programs over the last decade in New Jersey. This is going to have a very positive impact on student-athletes in the Garden State."

Sports U founder, Brian Coleman, says "This merger is going to be a disruptor and game changer in the tri-state basketball community. I'm very excited for the future of Rio U basketball!"

Shannon Coyle, coach and director of Rio U Girls, added, "After a very successful launch of the Girls UAA circuit in 2019 and the inaugural seasons of Team Rio National girls, we are very excited to broaden our reach throughout the tri-state area with Sports U. The synergies, resources, and network that come with the combination of both boys basketball and Sports U, gives our girls an elite experience for them to maximize their potential."

Tryouts for the upcoming season start on February 29, 2020 and continue on March 7, 2020. Tryout details, location, and times, can be found at https://teamrionational.com/.

About Team Rio University:

As a 501(c)(3) organization, Team Rio University is an Under Armour sponsored program that assists student-athletes on and off the court in their pursuit of college and professional basketball. The boys and girls programs participate in the highly regarded Under Armour Association (UAA). Both the boys and girls UAA leagues generate hundreds of college coaches and scouts at their NCAA live session events to provide student-athletes a world class platform for competition and recruitment.

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Related link: https://teamrionational.com/

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