The Annual 2025 Kids Quad had a good turnout with many children participating despite the cold weather.
Children aged 3 through 12 participated, each competition breaking apart the young athletes into appropriate age groups. Athletes rode their bikes, went through the unique obstacle course, and ran.
During the bike portion of the competition, City of Grants Mayor Erik Garcia rode his bike beside or in front of them, keeping the tired ones motivated, and encouraging them all to keep going.
Family members ran with their tired children.
A group of youth volunteers from the Grants High School National Junior Honor Society, were constantly encouraging the competitors and were quick to respond to those who fell off their bike or needed support.
Once the contestant passed the finish line, they were given their participation medal and a Gatorade.
At the end of all five competitions, five dads competed in an event called “the strider”.
This amusing race included one more volunteer than the previous year. The five of them hopped onto the bikes their children had used and pushed themselves to go through the same course their sons or daughters had just completed.
A few of the dads ended up picking up the bike and running the rest of the way. When the adults finished the course, they were given participation medals like their children.
The winners of the Kids’ Quad were given gift cards to local restaurants, a first, second, or third place medal, and stood on the podium for their picture to be taken. As each of the winners went to the podium, Mayor Garcia made sure to give them all a highfive.
All of the first-place winners were given brand new bikes. Two of the winners donated their bikes to the second or third place competitor.
This annual Kids Quad has been off-and-on for nearly four decades but has remained steady for the last ten years thanks to the volunteers who saw a need to do something for Cibola’s youth.
It is a community event and doesn’t cost anything. Participating, medals, and tshirts are free. If you wish to compete but don’t own a bike, a bike will be given to you so you can participate.
People are encouraged to volunteer, as volunteers play a vital role in both of the Quads. Without them, it couldn’t be done.
Sponsors are also very important, helping with the prizes and keeping the event free.
Though this event has significantly dropped in terms of participation, it is still a competition many look forward to, year after year.