Claremont Native Runs Boston Marathon to Promote Play in Elementary Schools

As a second year medical student at Tufts University School of Medicine, Victoria Kay, 24, a Claremont native, knows how important physical activity is not only for your health, but for your social and emotional development. For this reason, she chose Playworks New England as her school Community Service Learning project. For the last two years, she has lent her photography skills to the organization during its signature events, playground beautification projects, and student celebrations. Now, she is lacing up to hit the pavement for the nonprofit in what will be her first time running the Boston Marathon.

Playworks New England is a regional branch of a national nonprofit working to bring play and physical activity into elementary schools as a means to improve the health and well-being of children and to enhance learning. Through onsite direct-service coaching and training school faculty and staff, the organization integrates physical activity and social and emotional learning into organized activities during recess. The goal is to create a space where students feel included, are active, and build valuable social and emotional skills needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Entering its 11^th year, Playworks New England serves 50,000 students in more than 100 elementary schools across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. To date, the nonprofit has served 160,000 youth.

“Growing up, playing handball and kickball with my peers during recess created some of my fondest memories,” says Kay. “In hindsight, I took the time and the space we had for healthy play for granted. It played a critical role in my development as a friend, teammate and leader. The Playworks’ mission really aligns with my mission as a future doctor by providing youth with the opportunity to develop healthy habits of exercise while building social and interpersonal skills that will carry on into adulthood.”

As an undergraduate at the University of Notre Dame, Kay began to run and participated in her school’s famous half-marathon, the Holy Half, all four years. The self-proclaimed novice runner now averages clocking in up to 20 miles a week in preparation for her first marathon, the historic Boston Marathon.

“In my family, I never saw myself as an athlete. Rather, I was book-smart,” says Kay. “I really surprised myself running those four half-marathons followed by a mini triathalon. Each time, I set bigger goals and took baby steps to achieve those goals. If I can do it, anyone can!”

In the weeks leading up to the Boston Marathon, Kay, alongside the rest of the Playworks New England team, will participate in a number of fundraising initiatives, including selling Playworks t-shirts, hosting raffles at grocery stores, and hosting events. On Friday, March 10, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., the team will host a fundraiser at Harpoon Brewery. The event is open to the public. Admission is $30 and includes unlimited pizza and beer samples.

“I want my kids to have a healthy future like the one I’ve been afforded,” says Kay who hopes to raise $7,500 for the nonprofit. “That is why I am running for Playworks New England.”

For more information about Playworks New England or to donate to Kay’s run, visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/PlayworksBoston2017/fundraiser/victoriakay.