INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — “I can’t believe I just did that!” one girl cheerfully shouted as she crossed the finish line along with 74 girls from area elementary schools as they each realized their limitless potential completing the Rudolph Run 5K on Dec. 13 at South Beach Park.
The girls had been training for 10 weeks as part of the Girls on the Run program Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast. Crossing the finish line is a defining moment when the girls realize that even the seemingly impossible IS possible.
Girls on the Run is a non-profit youth development program which seeks to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using an experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The interactive curriculum is fun and challenging, covering meaningful topics such as self-awareness, building healthy relationships, and developing personal strengths while engaging in physical activities. Each team also designs and completes a community service project.
The culminating event is the final 5K which gives the girls a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. Each girl runs with a running buddy cheering them on. Running buddies were family members, teachers, and community volunteers.
Program sites included Glendale Elementary, Imagine Charter School, Indian River Academy, Rosewood Magnet School and Vero Beach Elementary. Two teams at Indian River Academy were sponsored by Kidz Closet and Vero Insurance sponsored a coach at Rosewood Magnet. Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast is grateful for the community’s support.
To learn more about the program or how to sponsor, volunteer, or start a site please visit www.girlsontheruntc.org. You do not have to be a runner to get involved. Girls on the Run needs program coaches, committee members and 5k volunteers. Call (772) 202-8015 to discuss which role will best fit your skills, talents and schedule.