The Georgia women’s basketball team joined staff and members of the Fastbreak Club at Stegeman Coliseum Monday to build more than 60 bikes for children in the Athens area.

 

The annual Bike Build, now in its 11th season, offered an opportunity for the Lady Bulldogs to assemble bikes, which will be distributed throughout schools in Athens/Clarke County, as well as to the the Boys & Girls Club of Athens and the Jackson County Family Connection.

“Giving back to the community is something we take pride in,” head coach Joni Taylor said. “The Bike Build gives us an opportunity to not only be active and present in the community, but to truly make a difference in the lives of so many little boys and girls. There is just nothing like seeing their faces light up when they get a bike. It is something we look forward to each and every year.”

Georgia’s Bike Build started under Hall of Fame head coach Andy Landers and Taylor has continued the tradition through her three seasons at the helm of the program. All told, Georgia has partnered with Academy Sports + Outdoors to assemble over 600 bikes since 2007.

This year, Academy Sports + Outdoors donated 30 bikes and 60 helmets.

“This is a tradition that goes back 11 years,” senior guard Haley Clark said. “It is a chance for us to celebrate the Holidays, spend time with our fans and give back to the community. I remember growing up getting a new bike and the joy that I had. I am just glad we can give that same joy to so many children. It just means a lot.”

The Bike Build is one of several Lady Bulldog community service efforts. Georgia student-athletes and staff members adopted the fifth-grade class at Stroud Elementary two years ago and have continued to visit the school. Taylor’s Beyond Basketball program for women has been considered a huge success, while the team’s recently announced Community Corner initiative has provided an opportunity for community groups to come experience Lady Bulldog basketball games.