RRCA Awards Kids Run the Nation® Grants
Posted Thursday, 13 December, 2007
Arlington, VA - In response to the growing national concern for children’s health status in the United States, the RRCA launched the Kids Run the Nation Fund in 2007 to assists running clubs, events, and schools that are interested in implementing or currently have a youth running program. This small grant program is funded by restricted contributions from RRCA members, individuals, foundations, and corporations.
“As a leader in the health and fitness industry, the RRCA has embarked on a long-term investment in promoting running as a significant opportunity to address the growing obesity epidemic with our youth,” explains Jean Knaack, RRCA executive director. “Our goal with the Kids Run the Nation Fund is to raise awareness and provide needed resources to youth running programs around the country. In addition, we hope to provide the national infrastructure where corporations, foundations and major donors can invest in the Kids Run the Nation Fund and ensure that 100% of their contributions are distributed appropriately to youth running programs around the country.”
The Kids Run the Nation Grant Selection Committee consisting of David & Sharlee Cotter (co-chairs), Bee McLeod (RRCA President), Don Kardong, Dan Kesterson, Brent Ayer, and Beth Onines are pleased to announce the 2007 Kids Run the Nation Grant recipients. Over forty-six applications were received for the Kids Run the Nation Grants. The applicants’ programs serve over 41,000 youth around the country. This December, the RRCA is pleased to award a total of $5000 worth of Kids Run the Nation Grants to the following youth running programs:
SALISBURY ROWAN RUNNERS KIDS RUN THE NATION AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM - CHINA GROVE, NORTH CAROLINA
The Salisbury Rowan Runners started their program in 2005 after attending the RRCA Convention in New Orleans and learning about youth running programs. The club partnered with their local YMCA which provides afterschool care at 17 different sites around Rowan County. In the 2006-2007 school year approximately 500 children participated in the afterschool running program. Club volunteers go to each afterschool site to lead discussions on nutrition, healthy living and running as exercise. The kids run and play running games as part of the program. One objective of the program is to build endurance so every child will be able to run in the one mile fun run held in conjunction with the Healthy Kids Day.
WEDDINGTON WINDRUNNERS CLUB - GREENVILLE, MISSISSIPPI
The Weddington Windrunners Club was started in August 2007 at the Weddington Math, Science & Technology Academy, a Kindergarten through 6th grade elementary school within the Greenville, Mississippi Public School District. In its first year, the Windrunners accomplished their short-term goal of increasing student physical activity by introducing running to the entire student body, 525 children. 95% of the student population at the school is eligible for free or reduced price meals, which translates into an extremely high concentration of children living in poverty. The Weddington Windrunners Club program consists of two 10-week sessions, one in the fall and one in the spring, during which time students will walk or run a cumulative 25.2 miles. The last mile is run at the Windrunner Marathon during the school’s annual Field Day festivities at the end of each school year.
FREEDOM 7 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MILEAGE CLUB - COCOA BEACH, FLORIDA
The Freedom 7 Mileage Club was started in August 2006. The program is approved by the elementary school but is an all volunteer run program. The program serves children in grades Kindergarten through 6th. Students meet twice per week before school for a 45 minute walk or run on a defined course. For each five miles run, students receive a mileage token to proudly display on a backpack chain. The program also promotes good nutritional habits and healthy lifestyle choices.
MAGNESS CREEK SCHOOL RUNNING CLUB - CABOT, ARKANSAS
The Magness Creek School Running Club was started in September 2007 as a pilot running program for the local school district. The school added 10 additional minutes to the student’s daily recess, and the students spend the first 10 minutes of each recess walking or running around the school track. The students have a goal of logging enough miles to reaching Beijing, China by the Chinese New Year and will celebrate their accomplishment Olympic style. 513 students are participating in the school program. The school also has a free afterschool running club that meets every Tuesday. The goal of the afterschool program is to focus on fun while logging 25.2 miles leading up to the Little Rock Marathon. The final mile is run on the day of the marathon. 51 students are enrolled in the afterschool program. Both programs incorporate a message of healthy nutrition.
CAMP GLENWOOD BOYS RANCH CROSS COUNTRY PROGRAM - LA HONDA, CALIFORNIA
Camp Glenwood is a residential program available to the Juvenile Court for high-risk delinquent males. While the program has been in place for several years, in 2007 the components of a running program, based on the RRCA youth running materials, along with competition in mainstream races were implemented. Camp Glenwood uses running to develop important skills such as patience, goal-setting, and perseverance. Many of the program participants have mental health issues and learning disabilities. Their lives have been marked by failure which makes them susceptible to negative influences. For the boys in the program, the completion of a 5K run marks a major milestone in which they set a goal, worked hard, and achieve something. Running is also used as a positive alternative to activities such as substance abuse, thievery, and gang involvement. A program participant found that running also helped serve as an outlet to release anger.
THE TEEN INSTITUE COACHING PROGRAM - DUBLIN, OHIO
The Teen Institute Coaching Program was started in 2006. The goal of the program is to train drug-free high school role models as “coaches” to teach, support and prepare 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students interested in competing in the Here’s Looking at You Kid 5K Run/Walk. The high school students have the potential to positively impact the health and well being of the elementary students while simultaneously enhancing their own lives. The “coaches” meet with the elementary students after school for 7 training sessions. The sessions consist of a discussion on topics related to proper training, hydration, what to wear, and healthy eating. 110 elementary students are participating in the program along with 25 high school coaches.
To learn more about Kids Run the Nation or to invest in the Kids Run the Nation Fund, visit us at http://www.rrca.org/programs/kids/.
About the RRCA
Founded in 1958, the RRCA is the national association of running clubs, running events, and runners. The mission of the RRCA is to promote long distance grassroots running as a competitive sport and healthful exercise. The RRCA achieves their mission by promoting the common interests of its members by providing educational opportunities, programs, and services. The organization’s membership consists of over 875 running clubs and events which comprise over 180,000 members in the US.
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