Thursday May 29th was a great day for the students, teachers and staff of Jefferson Elementary School in Allentown…and it was a great day for Team Colavita as well.

As Colavita riders approached their adoptive school they were welcomed by cheer posters in every window and a welcome and “Go Team Colavita “ greeting on their outdoor message sign for the whole neighborhood to see. Seven riders and the Director Sportif of the professional cycling team Colavita/Sutter Home went to Jefferson to introduce students to the sport of pro cycling to get them excited about cheering on their team at the Commerce Bank Lehigh Valley Classic coming to their town (in fact right in front of their school) on Tuesday, June 2nd.

The kids went crazy, and raised their decorated posters high as Erin Hartwell, President and CEO of Valley Preferred Cycling Center took center stage to introduce the team members to the students. Hartwelldid a great job of pumping the kids up and tying in the fitness message as well as the message that everything takes hard work, preparation and perseverance…from becoming a pro rider to doing well in your studies…to performing well in your band concert. Erin posed questions in English and Sebastian (Colavita’s Director Sportif) posed questions in Spanish to riders who were able to speak to the students in both languages…it was really great. The noise level was unreal. Luca Damiani , one of the Colavita team members wowed the students with some tricks on his bike…the kids went nuts! Mr. C the Commerce Bank mascot was on hand to cheer on the team and the students…and Jefferson’s Assistant Principal Jill Burlett found herself on the receiving end of a check for $5000 from Commerce Bank to be put toward the school’s health and wellness programs. TV stations and the local daily newspaper The Morning Call were on hand to capture the exciting day.

For more photos of the event click here: