Girls on the Run Builds Confident, Fit Kids
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Nothing like starting off with a sprint.
Girls on the Run, an international nonprofit youth development program, is launching its RI chapter with a brand-new event: The Boulevard Dash, on Saturday, June 4, on Blackstone Boulevard in Providence.
Girls on the Run is an experiential learning programs for girls age eight to thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.
Unique opportunity for RI girls
“Girls on the Run provides a unique opportunity to girls ages 8-13 unlike any other after school activity that is currently offered in Rhode Island,” said Hannah Colestock, executive director. “In bringing this program to the Ocean State, we want to create generations of Rhode Island girls that believe in the benefits and fun of physical activity; understand the importance of healthy eating; know what it means to be a supportive friend, neighbor, and family member; and value the quality of their communities.”
"We hope the Dash will provide a time to bring together all of the amazing people that have supported our mission, spread the word to the community about this great program, and celebrate the start of the farmer's market with an event that is fun for all ages and fitness levels," Colestock said.
Wear pink and green
The 1.6-mile family-friendly course will start on the south end of Blackstone Boulevard, near the Irving Avenue intersection, and finish at the north end, near Lippitt Park. Strollers, pets, and families are invited to walk or run the course. Race day registration is $15/person or $25/family, in cash or check only. Pre-registration is not available. Proceeds will support national coach training, membership, and licensing fees for the local council. Participants are asked to wear pink and green.
Rhode Island will be the 44th state to establish a Girls on the Run council when it launches in Spring 2012 at Gordon School in East Providence and Sophia Academy in Providence. Expansion to additional sites around the state is planned for Fall 2012. To follow the progress in RI and get involved go the Facebook page, here.
To see Girls on the Run in action in other parts of the country, watch the video, here.