Record achievements for Girls on the Run Southwest Florida

Photos (L to R): Girls on the Run participants, volunteer coaches, family members and other runners from Collier, DeSoto (far right) and Charlotte County (middle) line up for the start of their respective UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K races. Participants are cheered on as they cross the finish line at the Naples, Fla. race.

More than 270 third through eighth grade girls from 28 Collier, Charlotte and DeSoto County elementary and middle schools “graduated” from their after-school 5K training and life skills programs at two recent UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K races.

The two races, held at Charlotte High School in Port Charlotte and Sugden Regional Park in Naples, attracted more than 800 total participants, raising a record $14,000+ for Girls on the Run Southwest Florida after-school training programs. The after-school program expands into Lee County this fall.

Proven life-skills benefit

In addition to helping girls train and complete the 5K races, these transformational programs have provided hundreds of local 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.

“Our record achievements, both in terms of participants and dollars raised, were made possible thanks to the support of UnitedHealthcare,” said Christine McConnelee, executive director for Girls on the Run Southwest Florida. “These additional funds help us keep participation costs down so that every girl who wants to run and participate in one of these proven life-skills enrichment programs can.”

“UnitedHealthcare is honored to be a Girls on the Run partner,” said Nicholas Zaffiris, CEO for UnitedHealthcare South Florida. The after-school programs’ proven long-lasting benefits to participants at a critical time in their lives are invaluable and an important part of our mission to support and help people of all ages lead healthier, more productive lives.

About Girls on the Run Southwest Florida

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 Southwest Florida 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.gotrswfl.org.