The Skeese Greets Women's Tri, to be held at the Texas Ski Ranch on May 3, has teamed with the new Austin Chapter of Girls on the Run. Not only will Skeese Greets donate some funds to this worthy cause, but entrants also have the option of tossing in a little extra $$$ themselves. Here's the scoop on this great non-profit, which by the way, is run by several local triathletes, including Shorey Russell, Maggie Caldwell, and KB Schatz
Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a life-changing character development program for elementary school girls, starting with 3rd grade (ages 8-12) that uses the power of running to teach every girl about her personal power and the importance of being healthy and active. GOTR combines training for a 5K (3.1 miles) running event with healthy living education. Our programs instill self-esteem and strong values through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships, and physical training - all of which are accomplished through an active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff and the community.
The goal of the program is to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development. Furthermore, we encourage participants to talk with their family every day about what is going on with them. The 12-week curriculum attempts to help each girl find and stay true to her REAL self. As a celebration of achievement, all girls complete a local 5K race.
GOTR is best suited for prevention purposes for girls between the ages of 8 and 12 years old. This is a time when children are still receptive to what adults have to say, yet they are beginning to feel the pull of peer pressure. Studies show that around the time of 5th grade, girls tend to go to a place that we call "The Girl Box." The Girl Box is a place where girls feel as if they are valued more for their appearance, their friends and what kind of clothes they wear - as opposed to the strength of their character. It is the perfect time to address important personal and relationship issues to a girl - like learning how to manage her emotions, the dangers of gossiping, how and when to speak up for herself and more. This is the ideal age for girls to develop the skills for handling these issues so that each girl STAYS OUT OF THE BOX.
Studies show that a decline of self-esteem, poor academic performance, and diminished ambitions take place during adolescence. The skills taught through GOTR have shown to lead to fewer eating disorders, less depression and suicide attempts, fewer substance/alcohol abuse problems and fewer teen pregnancies. The result is a healthier way of life for a new generation of young women.
GOTR of Austin is an affiliate of Girls on the Run International, which operates in over 160 cities across the
For more information on Girls on the Run, visit www.gotraustin.org.
The Skeese Greets Women's Tri is an Official Jack & Adam's Event, Volunteer or Register today!
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