South LA kids get free bikes



imageA group of 42 lucky teens got free bikes and helmets and a lesson on cycling safety during a special event held on Monday afternoon in South LA.

The non-profit organization A Place Called Home and employees from United Health Care partnered up for the bicycle giveaway.

The 42 bikes were donated as part of an effort to fight obesity and promote healthier lifestyles by engaging youths in daily exercise and proper nutrition.

imageProfessional cyclist Chris Jones, who’s part of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, played basketball with some of the kids and shared training and nutrition tips with the youths.

The teens were selected for the bikes because they’re involved in A Place Called Home programs.

A Place Called Home is a non-profit in South Central Los Angeles that offers a safe haven for underserved youth with the objective of helping them find direction in their lives through programs in education, arts, and well-being.