TIS annually holds a “Cyclothon” at our school. The main goal of the event, in my opinion, is to have students experience the joy of cycling! The campus is ideal for cycling with an 800-meter loop that winds its way around our beautiful forested grounds. My colleague, Shawn Perry, holds a “bicycle rodeo” to teach elementary students who are new to the sport how to safely turn, brake, and fall. Students need to pass the test course in the gymnasium before starting the main event. Elementary students absolutely love cycling and counting how many laps they can do. There are always some scooters and skaters as well, and this year, we had three runners.
Greener Tomorrows, our student environmental conservation group, managed the event to raise money to upgrade a playground and soccer field in the mahalla adjacent to the back of our school. Secondary students served as bike patrol and counted laps. One feature of the morning is that the rider who completes the 1000th lap, gets to throw a pie in the face of the director (me). Grade 2 student Maya enjoyed the experience as did the students watching!
I think the Cyclothon was started by Matt Wright, a former TIS teacher and incredible cyclist. He left a good legacy and with help from teachers like Shawn and Stefania, the tradition continues.
TIS Director's Blog 
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