Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty was proud once again to sponsor the recent Girls on the Run event, held November 4, 2017 at Steamboat Springs Middle School. The 5K event, organized by Girls on the Run of Western Colorado, and deemed a “celebratory event” rather than a race, is the culmination of a 10-week program for girls in 3rd-8th grade. This year, some 2500 girls ran in programs organized across 20 counties and over 35 communities across the country.
The Girls on the Run Program was started as a way to inspire young girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one-of-a-kind. The 10-week program is led by trained coaches who guide small teams through a research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. The goal of the program is to help elementary and middle-school aged girls develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The participants complete the program by positively impacting their communities through a service project, and by being physically and emotionally prepared to complete the celebratory 5K event.
Lisa Olson and Michael Marchand of Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty coached the Soda Creek Elementary team. Olson also sponsored the event personally, and many agents and staff from Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty were on hand at the event, volunteering to man the water station. Olson has been integral in the program, serving as a Board member for over six years and being instrumental in race planning, getting sponsors and volunteers. Marchand is a current Board member and also helped with race planning and sponsorships.
According to Olson, “The rewarding thing about Girls on the Run is helping the girls understand they each have unique strengths, empowering them to use those strengths and helping them learn coping skills to navigate what can be a challenging world all through a fun, active program that inspires us as coaches as much it inspires them. If kids can learn these skills at a young age, they will no doubt be future leaders who lead with compassion and understanding. On top of all that, it’s all just really fun.”
With sponsorships such as those from Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty and Lisa Olson, Girls on the Run is accessible to anyone who wants to participate, and full scholarships are available to any who need them. Nearly 30% of the participants last year were on scholarship. Even without scholarship, Girls on the Run’s registration fee is $55, covering only half the cost of the program. The rest of the program fees are supported through sponsorships and fundraising. Without community support, many girls may not have the opportunity to participate.
Marchand sums it up well, saying “Girls on the Run is an amazing program that empowers young girls with the skills they need to be the future leaders of our changing world. The program teaches respect for themselves and for their peers, skills that show them it is possible to shine bright in any situation. The girls teach me something new each practice.”
Visit Girls on the Run of Northwest Colorado for more information and sponsorship opportunities.