The overall mission and purpose of the Organization is to support the social, emotional and physical needs of young women by providing a supportive community that will empower young women through the sport of cycling, inspire the celebration of healthy competition, empower the confident pursuit of lofty dreams and emphasize the positive effects of strong female bonds. Specifically, the goals of th
e organization are: (1) to provide young women with mentoring that builds a strong foundation for personal development, the benefits of which transcend the sport of cycling, and (2) to address gender inequalities in the sport of cycling as currently demonstrated by disparities among males and females in participation and opportunities. Through positive role models, healthy activities and introduction to various forms of cycling, the Organization hopes to encourage positive choices that enable girls to achieve their full potential. The Organization was created in honor of Amy Alison Dombroski, a professional cyclist who, at the age of 26, tragically passed away while training abroad in Belgium. The Organization was established to help perpetuate and share with young women Amy’s love for the sport of cycling, her hard work and dedication and her mental strength and healthy competitiveness. Initially an alpine ski racer, Amy’s rise in the ranks of elite cycling was prolific. By the time of her death, Amy had become a top cyclocross competitor, finishing 11th at the 2013 World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a versatile cyclist with U23 National Championship titles in road, mountain and cyclocross. Still early in her career, she was considered by many in the sport to be a rising talent and serious contender at world-class cycling events. In her short but full life, Amy touched the hearts of communities in the United States and Europe. Those who knew Amy as an athlete were familiar with her healthy competitiveness, unwavering dedication to training and attention to detail. Friends and family knew her as a thoughtful and quick-witted companion with an inspirational drive. Acquaintances were struck by her unassuming nature and welcoming smile. Amy had a passion for life that transcended the sport of cycling, and she loved to share this passion with the friends and family that surrounded her. She also had an uncanny ability to transform challenges she faced in her own life into intense positive focus. The tattoo of a lightning bolt that Amy bore on her wrist served as a remembrance of her mother’s tragic death, and provided her a daily source of motivation. The Organization accomplishes its mission through the development and support of programs that use cycling to teach girls and young women the importance of hard work and dedication and to help foster participation, equality and opportunity for women in the sport of cycling. The theme of mentoring persists throughout the program and provides the important tools necessary to promote personal development through active participation and strategic goal setting.
