When the Maryland Sports Commission (MSC) and its nonprofit arm, the Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland (SECMD), made the difficult decision to postpone the 3rd edition of the Maryland Cycling Classic this year, they redirected their efforts toward community initiatives to keep the event’s name and spirit alive in 2024.
This week, Maroon PR supported the Maryland Cycling Classic, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and the Bahati Foundation, as they presented a series of “In The Community” events.
The Bahati Foundation is a nonprofit organization that inspires, empowers and brings opportunity to underrepresented youth through the sport of cycling for future success both on and off the bike.
Highlights of the week included a bike donation and educational clinics at two area elementary schools, a community activation at the Baltimore Bike Party, and a team bike build event. The Sport & Entertainment Corporation of Maryland, in partnership with the Bahati Foundation and Kaiser Permanente, donated a total of 50 new bicycles and helmets to both Battle Grove Elementary and Holabird Academy (25 to each school).
While the Maryland Cycling Classic will be sorely missed by many this year, it’s these types of community efforts that really deserve the public’s attention. And so Maroon PR kicked into high gear to help spread the good word!
What a truly incredible Thursday as we partnered w/ @KPMidAtlantic to donate bikes to Battle Grove ES & Holabird Academy as they create bicycle safety & healthy living curriculum at those schools. We had INCREDIBLE help from @bahatiracing & @usacycling champ Maize Wimbush! pic.twitter.com/FV70qm60Y2
— Maryland Cycling Classic (@MarylandClassic) September 6, 2024
Maroon PR focused media pitching on the school donation events, which featured an hour-long “Motion Equals Healthy” bike clinic led by Rahsaan Bahati, a 10-time US National Pro Cycling Champion, focusing on bike safety, cycling as a mode of transportation, and the health benefits of cycling.
Our team successfully secured comprehensive media coverage from all four Baltimore TV stations, and expertly managed social media for the Maryland Cycling Classic throughout the events, amplifying its reach within the cycling community and beyond.
Honored to join @BaltCoPS at Battle Grove Elementary with @MarylandSports to donate 25 bikes and encourage students to get active! pic.twitter.com/cAEmrBAnHb
— Kaiser Permanente (@KPMidAtlantic) September 5, 2024
Additionally, Maroon PR secured 92Q’s DJ Quicksilva as an Emcee for one of the events which had the students pumped! See his Instagram post here. Special guests included Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, Maryland Sports Commission Executive Director Terry Hasseltine, Bahati Foundation founder, Rahsaan Bahati, Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, and the Oriole Bird.
It was a great week for the Maryland Cycling Classic, and for Maroon PR as we were able to bring together #MaroonPlays and #MaroonCares for PR success!
Check out more of the coverage here:
3 live segments on FOX45 MorningNews
WMAR Midday Maryland Segment & Good Morning Maryland shoutout