October 24, 2016 at 4:10 p.m.
Girls on the Run Northwoods holds Packer tailgate party
Girls on the Run Northwoods holds Packer tailgate party
By Kayla Thomason-
Members of Girls on the Run Northwoods - many dressed in Packers gear - took Packer-themed photos, participated in a Super Fan Costume Contest, played games, filled up on food and dessert, and eagerly awaited watching the game on the 40-foot screen. Proceeds from the event will go toward scholarships for girls to participate in the program.
Girls on the Run is geared toward helping young girls become more confident, learn healthy habits, build positive relationships, realize their strength and inner beauty, work as teammates, and much more, all while incorporating running.
"It is vital that GOTR introduces girls at a young age to many parts of a healthy and positive lifestyle, both physically and mentally," said program director Adriane Morabito said. "This program was designed to help girls be prepared to confidently navigate peer pressure, bullying and challenges at all grade levels. The physical fitness training, running and exercises are creatively woven into each lesson. Lessons encourage positive self-image and self-respect, teamwork, and leadership. The celebratory 5K non-competitive fun run at the end of the season is an opportunity for each girl to accomplish their personal goals, with the support of their teammates and running buddies."
GOTR Northwoods offered its first program in Rhinelander last spring for girls in third- through fifth-grade, however the program has been in north central Wisconsin since 2004.
"The 10-week program is a journey; what they discover about themselves, the connections they make with their peers and community provides girls with life skills, experience and a support group to confidently navigate through adolescent challenges," Morabito said. "The transformation from start to finish is remarkable."
Jan Santarius, a GOTR coach from the Minocqua area, attended the party.
"(Attendance is) a little slower than expected (an hour prior to kickoff) but it's very nice," she said.
"It's a great program. I was really impressed with the girls and it culminated in a 5K race and just to see these girls finish the race was well worth it," she added. "They're so impressionable at that age, anything that you can teach them or get them to realize how great they are it's well worth it because then they're going on to that middle-school age where they have all that peer pressure so if they can keep true to themselves and be good it will be well worth it."
Julie Holperin, who would like to be a volunteer with the program, came decked out in green and gold.
"I think it's very lovely, they definitely put a lot of work into it, you can tell the energy is here," she said of the party.
"I think it's a great event," Holperin added. "I think the program itself - I know they have it here and in Minocqua - it's just a great program for girls, really helps build their confidence."
"I think it's great of George Rouman to volunteer his place here for it, it's a nice community place," she added.
"I am (excited to see the game on the big screen)," Morabito added. "We were really thankful George here at Rouman Cinema was able to project the game on the screen for us cheeseheads over here."
As game time rolled around the group made its way into the theater where they watched the Packers beat the Bears 26-10.
For more information about the program, visit http://gotrnorthwoods.org or talk to a site liaison at a local school.
Programs are offered at the following locations: North Lakeland Elementary School, Lac du Flambeau Elementary School, AV-W Elementary School, MHLT Elementary School, YMCA Northwoods Rhinelander, and Franklin Elementary School in Wausau. Contact Adriane Morabito at [email protected] for further questions. To become a coach or volunteer, visit http://gotrnorthwoods.org.
"We are always looking for people," said Kira Lynne, board member. "Volunteers, coaches, and all involved with the program should have a passion for the mission of GOTR. There are some training sessions coaches need to attend prior to the start of the spring program. Head coaches need to be available after school two days a week during the 10-weeks of sessions. Assistant coaches need to be available at least one day a week after school. Volunteers and board members have more flexibility in how they are able to donate their time."
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla@ rivernewsonline.com.
Comments:
You must login to comment.