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Volunteer at Girls on the Run-Chicago 5K on Sat, Nov 14
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Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Girls on the Run-Chicago (GOTRC), a nonprofit focused on boosting self-respect and healthy living among eight- to 13-year old girls via an after-school training program, by volunteering Saturday, Nov. 14, at the group’s bi-annual 5K run at Toyota Park in Bridgeview.
During the past 10 years, more than 10,000 young women have participated in the Girls on the Run-Chicago program, an affiliate of Girls on the Run International which serves young women at 160 local councils across the United States and Canada.
The Girls on the Run’s goal is to see fewer adolescent pregnancies and cases of eating disorders, less depression and fewer suicide attempts, less substance/alcohol abuse and a smaller number of engagements with the juvenile justice system.
Approximately 2,500 runners are expected at Saturday’s event, the culmination for more than 1,300 Chicago-area girls of the fall 12-week training season.
This fall’s program has been held at 53 locations throughout Chicago and its suburbs, said Betsy Armstrong, executive director of Girls on the Run-Chicago.
“What sets Girls on the Run apart from other running programs is that we combine running with a series of lessons – a well researched curriculum that is designed specifically to promote healthy development in pre-teen girls,” Armstrong said.
“The lessons, which are played out in a series of games and conversations, are about life skills related to healthy development, not only physically, but mentally, emotionally and socially,” Armstrong added. “When the girls cross the finish line, they learn that they are capable of much more than they ever dreamed – not only in running, but in life.”
The 5K (3.1 miles) celebratory race begins at 9 a.m. on Nov. 14, but both individual and groups of volunteers are needed as early as 6 a.m. on Saturday to register runners, staff water and aid stations, cheer on the participants and serve post-race refreshments.
Volunteers are also needed beyond Saturday’s race day.
Coaches are needed for the 2010 GOTRC spring session. Donations can be made to help fund GOTRC scholarships; and tickets costing $125 can be purchased for GOTRC’s10th anniversary gala on Nov. 20 at The Park West, 322 West Armitage, Chicago.
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