Girls on the Run of WMA will host its 5K event on June 3rd at Western New England University (WNE) and expecting 3500-4000 people. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in 3rd to 8th grade. During the ten-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5K event.
"I grew up in inner-city Philadelphia and was fortunate to have mentors who encouraged me to believe that anything was possible," said Jennifer Kolins WNE Associate Director of Athletics for Student-Athlete Development who will help to kick off the event. "I went on to play collegiate tennis and then coached the men's and women's tennis teams here at WNE for 21 years. I know the Girls on the Run program is teaching those same life skills and instilling values that encourage physical, emotional, and social well-being that will have a lasting impact on their success."
This spring season Girls on the Run has 1030 participants in 75 sites around Western MA, with 285 volunteer coaches that bring the curriculum to life. The run starts at 10:30 a.m. but the group warm up will begin at 10 a.m.. with participants arriving for fun events at 9:30 a.m.. The nonprofit organization expects as many as 4000 people to attend. The event starts with activities, a group warm up and more. This 5K is the culmination of a 10-week, 20 lesson social emotional program, bringing together all participants, coaches, running buddies and families.
"We are elated that Girls on The Run is becoming part of the tradition of our commitment to empower girls," said Kolins. "For over 20 years, WNE has hosted the Girls and Women in Sports Day program. The female student-athletes, coaches, and administrators at WNE have been dedicated to paving the way for future generations of girls to believe in themselves and their inner strength. Seeing the motivation, connections, confidence, and determination of the Girls on the Run on our own campus truly inspires us."
Participation in the 5K event is open to the public and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run of WMA. Last season's 5K event brought together 4000 people, including program participants, their family and friends and community members. Registration cost is $30 for adults and $10 for youth and includes an event shirt.
Early arrival is suggested. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m.. Girls on the Run WMA is also looking for volunteers for this event. For more information about the event, how to register and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.
