The Bend Endurance Academy is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The Academy organizes and operates programs that promote health and wellness within Oregon. The Academy provides athletic coaching, mentorship, educational experiences, volunteer opportunities and events for a diverse group of youth, young adults, and other individuals who desire to excel at endurance sports.
The Academy provides appropriate, innovative, affordable and inclusive programs that encourage participants to succeed throughout every step of their athletic and individual development.
The Academy is dedicated to “building endurance athletes who are able to accomplish their individual athletic goals while being committed to personal growth, teamwork and community responsibility.”
We currently offer programs for Nordic Skiing, Cycling and Triathlon. We are also developing a program to address Childhood Overweight/Obesity.
The Bend Endurance Academy Nordic Team is the largest USSA Junior Nordic Club in the Pacific Northwest Ski Association. We are proud of all our athletes and their success at local, national and international events. Nordic skiing, or cross-country skiing, includes both classic and skate techniques.
The Nordic Team includes:
- Youth Program – ages 6 – 12
- Development Program (Juniors)
- Competition Program (Juniors/Seniors)
- COCC Nordic Program (COCC/OSU Students)
- Masters Programs (Adults)
- Nordic Fall Ladies Program
The Bend Endurance Academy Cycling Team offers several disciplines to promote strong youth, junior and collegiate development at the grassroots level. We offering the following programs:
- Mini Bikes – Mountain Biking- starts at age 6
- Mighty Bikes Youth – Mountain Bike and Freeride – starts at age 8
- Development Program – Mountain Bike, Road, Freeride and Cyclocross (Middle School/High School)
- Competition Program – Mountain Bike, Road, Track, Freeride and Cyclocross (High School/College)
- COCC Cyclocross Program (COCC/OSU Students)
- Masters Cyclocross (Adults)
Our Climbing Team and programs operate in partnership with the Bend Rock Gym, which serves as our primary training facility. We also offer the unique option of outdoor climbing trips to the world class Smith Rock State Park and other local crags.
- Development Team for beginners age 10 – 18
- Competition Team for intermediate and advanced age 10 – 18
The Bend Endurance Academy Multisport Team is the first triathlon-specific program for juniors in Bend and provides technique training in swimming, cycling and running.
- Learn how to become a multi-sport athlete
- Balance training in all areas to improve fitness, performance and avoid injury
Our Reinforcing an Active Lifestyle and Leadership for Youth Program is awaiting grant funding. It aims to provide young people who are at risk for overweight or overweight with an opportunity to improve both their physical and mental health through lifestyle physical activity and social support.
Coaches and Staff
We are proud of our professional, highly-trained coaches.
Volunteering
The Academy’s mission includes the phrase “community responsibility.”
What does that mean?
Being dedicated to “community responsibility” guides us to encourage our athletes, families, board members, friends and supporters to volunteer for many local ‘endurance’ related events.
We hope to inspire all Academy athletes to give back to their community. We hope to teach our young participants that being a good athlete is just one part of being a whole, well rounded person who understands the value of investing time and energy into their local communities.
We see volunteering as an opportunity for coaches and athletes to build their relationship in a broader environment, outside of sport. We see volunteering gives opportunities for new Academy families to meet and share experiences with Academy supporters, board members and other families. We also see volunteering as a way for families to meet Academy coaches in a fun and open venue.
We believe our commitment to community responsibility sets us apart from other organizations.
We want to encourage all Academy families to volunteer often…but not feel compelled to help out at every single Academy event.
We recommend each Academy family volunteer for 2 or 3 events throughout the year and would like to avoid having the same 5-6 families volunteer for all Academy events.
We have many exciting events to choose from including: Bend Don’t Brake Road Race, With My Own Two Wheels: Movie, USAC XCO MTB Qualifier , Black Butte Ranch July 4 Fun Run, Haulin’ Aspen Marathon/Half Marathon, or any of the events listed below.
For the latest information about volunteering contact a staff member or visit our homepage.
Partnerships
COCC: BEA works with Central Oregon Community College to implement the COCC Cyclocross Club and the COCC Nordic Ski Club.
Tumalo Langlauf Club: TLC is the club responsible for grooming at Meissener Sno Park. BEA makes direct financial contributions to TLC and supports them with parent and athlete volunteers throughout the year.
Cog Wild Bicycle Tours: offers logistical and collaborative support for all of our programs. The use of their vehicles is very helpful.
Oregon Bicycle Racing Association: OBRA is the grassroots organization that has made Oregon one of the best places for bike races in the USA. OBRA supported our cycling program with a $2500 grant in 2009. Our athletes support OBRA sanctioned events by racing and volunteering.
Events
- Bend Bicycle Film Festival – We are the co-beneficiary along with COTA.
- Punctual Pumpkin Prediction Run – Our Halloween fun run.
- Bend Winterfest – We are the beneficiaries of the Nordic Sprinterfest.
- Tour De Meissner – We help organize and present this community ski race at Meissner.
Thanks for taking the time to learn about the Academy. If you have questions please email info ‘at’ Bend Endurance Academy. org or call Ben at 541.678.3864, Brenna at 541.678.3865 or Bill at 541.335.1346
