Genesis Program presents brand new bikes to families at D6 event

Kyle Knox

Gila River Indian News

November is recognized as National Diabetes Awareness Month, and on Nov. 8, the Genesis Program hosted their second Bike Rally at Kalka Park in District 6 encouraging families to stay active and moving. The Genesis program presented 100 bikes for youth nine months to seven-years-old to receive. Families also received helmets and decorations for the bikes in addition to a small meal for everyone in attendance. 

Program Manager Kyrie Dukepoo said, “the program hopes to provide a different type of activity for families to enjoy being outside and being physically active together. With offering bikes to the children, we hope to encourage families to be more active together.”

One family received a stroller bike for toddlers and was excited about the gift. Carla Al-Harthi from District 3 is grateful for the new bike and said it’s a new tool for her son Amir. He’s very active and the bike will be a new experience for him to enjoy. 

GRPD Officer James Milano was present for the event to provide safety instructions, seat adjustments, and proper bike handling for every family that received a bike. Afterward, families were encouraged to ride the park’s walking path together. Many families returned after and had their bikes adjusted based on their child’s height and riding style of their children. 

Kayla Kisto, Diabetes Prevention Specialist, shared that each bike had to be assembled by hand, and they required support from various GRIC departments. Both Kisto and Dukepoo acknowledge the assistance from employees within the Tribal Health Department, volunteers from the Community, Tribal Education Department, Property & Supply, GRPD, and Facilities Maintenance.  

Compared to the first year, this year was a success as they increased their attendance from two dozen to 135. 

Genesis will host the 2nd Annual Turkey Trot on Nov. 26 at the District 4 Service Center. This 2-mile run/walk will be the last event for the month where participants will receive incentives and a lite meal. For more information, you can call (520) 562-1237.