As the volunteer Run Director for Girls on the Run GTA, a not-for-profit organization that promotes healthy living and positive lifestyles in girls aged 8-14, I am getting SUPER excited for our annual 5K run, this Saturday at Downsview Park! With over 1200 girls enrolled in the program, under the encouragement and support of 307 wonderful coaches + approximately 650 support runners who will be running with the girls at 10AM on Saturday, this year's run is going to be the biggest and the best yet!
We're hoping for great weather - but after 12 years of running in the rain, we're prepared for anything! The logistics are in place, the route is great, and the training is almost complete. I am proud to have connected with Girls on the Run - an organization whose only agenda is to promote and empower positive self-esteem, healthy lifestyles and positive self identities in the next generation of girls and young women. I was attracted to the model of GOTR program, the quality of its curriculum, the dedication of its staff, volunteers and coaches, and the value of the impact the program visibly makes on the participating girls. As I become more involved in volunteering for the organization I drew a deeper connection from the inclusive nature of how the organization is expanding the program; increasing the number of sponsorship schools in the program to ensure access to the program is available to girls who may otherwise not have the opportunity to participate in such advantageous extracurricular programs. I believe in the lessons the program teaches and I have had the opportunity to see the benefit of the program delivered first-hand to the girls.
I would encourage individuals looking to get involved in/contribute to a worthwhile youth mentorship/leadership/athletic/character building program to consider supporting GOTR and coming out to cheer on the girls on June 11 at Downsview Park. See you there!
