Record Achievements for Girls on the Run of Collier County

Photos (L to R): Santa Claus welcomes runners to the start of the UnitedHealthcare Reindeer Run 5K.

450-plus volunteer coaches, family members and other runners and walkers to run the race join more than 260 Collier County elementary and middle school girls. Friends and family members cheer on runners as they cross the finish line.

More than 260 third through eighth grade girls from 12 Collier County elementary and middle schools “graduated” from their after-school 5K training and life skills program at the UnitedHealthcare Reindeer Run on Saturday, December 16, 2017.

Held at the Community School in Naples, the girls were joined by an additional 450+ family members, Girls on the Run volunteer coaches, runners and walkers for a record turnout of more than 700 people, raising $10,000 for the Girls on the Run of Collier County program.

Proven life-skills benefit

In addition to helping girls train and complete a 5K race, this transformational program has provided hundreds of elementary and middle school girls with the opportunity to improve their self-esteem, confidence and gain valuable social and life skills. A recent longitudinal study showed that 97 percent of all participants learned critical life skills from the Girls on the Run program, including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others or making intentional decisions that they are using at home, at school and with their friends.

“UnitedHealthcare’s support came at an important time for Southwest Florida’s Girls on the Run program as we look to merge with and expand other Girls on the Run programs into DeSoto, Charlotte and Lee Counties,” said Christine McConnelee, executive director for Girls on the Run of Collier County. “These additional funds help us keep participation costs down so that every girl who wants to run and participate in this proven life-skills enrichment program can.”

About Girls on the Run of Collier County

Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in the third through fifth grades. The girls are taught life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Girls on the Run of Collier County is an Affiliate Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of 200+ locations across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.gotrcc.org.