The rapid escalation of the COVID-19 pandemic and the announcement that schools will be out for the remainder of the year resulted in Girls on the Run (GOTR) councils across the commonwealth of Pennsylvania making the decision to discontinue in-person programming and 5K celebrations statewide. The decision is impacting close to 9,000 families and 1,400 trained volunteer coaches, as well as the collective financial stability of the 11 GOTR councils.
Council leaders across the state and the country met virtually to rapidly develop alternative program delivery models, ensuring that participating girls would continue to receive connection and physical activity as well as safe space where they can navigate the emotions and fear that they may be experiencing. GOTR is known nationally for working to develop the physical, social and emotional health of girls.
GOTR at Home is providing families with on-demand twice-weekly video lessons that girls can do together or that girls can complete independently. GOTR Connect is providing safe, virtual spaces for girls to deepen relationships with teammates while dedicated volunteers trained in trauma responses guide the discussion.
One other important aspect of the GOTR experience is setting and accomplishing goals, which the girls do by participating in a season-ending GOTR 5K. In the spirit of keeping all families moving forward, GOTR is introducing an opportunity for families to lace up their sneakers for a virtual event.
Across Pennsylvania, all 11 GOTR councils are collaborating to present the GOTR PA-5K Your Way. This virtual 5K will take place from Saturday, May 23, through Sunday, May 31, and is open to the community. "Your Way" indicates that there will be plenty of options for every family to participate in fun, physical challenges. Each council will provide specific links and free registration for not only the spring season participants and families, but the entire community. Anyone may join and can choose to run, complete an activity card provided upon registration or do an activity of their choice.
For more information about specific activities for GOTR Berks County and GOTR Chester County, readers may visit http://www.gotrberks.org and http://www.ymcagbw.org/gotr, respectively.
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