More Girls, More GRiT, More Impact
During the 2025 PICL Season, the Girls Riding Together Junior Advisory Representatives (GRiT JAR) coordinated and led several fun, community-oriented events that brought riders, families, and teams together across the league. Highlights included:
Waterballoon fight fundraiser at Penn College
League-wide community potluck at Granite Hill Campground in Gettysburg
Collecting donated items from across the state for a giveaway at the Hershey State Championship
With robust support from PICL families and teams, the GRiT JAR members demonstrated how youth leadership can create real impact. Of the funds raised, $1000 was donated to Kate Courtney’s She Sends Foundation, which helps expand opportunities and build confidence for women and girls in the sport, and $600 to Hershey Medical Center’s Children's Hospital, which provides specialized care for children and families across the region.
The impact of the girls’ leadership didn’t go unnoticed. After learning about the GRiT JAR’s efforts, Kate Courtney shared a heartfelt message with the group, writing,
“This email just brought a tear to my eye… you should all be so proud of the leadership you have shown and the initiative you’ve taken to create more of what you want to see in the world. While the grant may have been a tiny spark, you are the ones who turned it into a bright flame of inspiration.” She praised the girls for their creativity, hard work, and commitment to supporting one another, noting how their efforts helped reshape the culture of PICL and invite more girls “to the mountain biking party.” ”
She also shared that the foundation would be highlighting the story as an example of what is possible when young women step forward to lead and build the kind of community they want to be part of.
The excitement and momentum from 2025 are carrying straight into the 2026 season, as the GRiT community continues to prove that when we ride together, we can accomplish incredible things. Stay tuned for what the GRiT JAR has planned next—and get ready to jump in and be part of the energy and support in 2026.
