Amy French to Run the Boston Marathon for Playworks New England

On April 16, Amy French, 24, of Dorchester, will run in the Boston Marathon. This will be the first marathon the former collegiate athlete will complete, simultaneously raising money and awareness for an organization she loves: Playworks New England.

Playworks New England, a regional branch of a national nonprofit,
leverages the power of play to transform children’s social and emotional
health. Through direct-service
coaching and training, Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts,
and after-school programs to integrate games into recess to create a place where
every kid on the playground can feel included, be active, and build valuable
social and emotional skills needed to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
During the 2017-2018 school year, Playworks New England is serving 75,000
students in 140 elementary schools across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New
Hampshire.

“When kids have opportunities for healthy and inclusive play at school,
everyone benefits,” says French, who works in the Development Department for
Playworks New England, supporting all fundraising initiatives of the
organization. “Students learn valuable skills, like teamwork and respect,
transitions from recess back to the classroom are more efficient, and the
school becomes a more fun and inviting place to be.”

Growing up, the Maplewood, N.J. native loved to play. As a child, she’d
challenge her older brother to just about any game for a chance to beat him,
learning the importance of good sportsmanship—win or lose. Her confidence grew
playing with her all male cousins who showed her that girls can do anything
boys can, which translated to a fearless attitude on the playground during
recess at school. Trying her hand at different sports throughout her youth, she
learned it’s important to try new things, but ultimately decided to focus on
soccer. Through sports, she learned the importance of teamwork, especially as a
member of the women’s soccer team at Washington University in St. Louis.

“I love the Playworks mission because it’s so simple, yet so
effective,” says French. “Our programs make the school day more fun for kids,
while making a huge impact on their physical, social and emotional development.
While studies and surveys show the effectiveness of our program, I’ve also experienced
first-hand the power of play to transform lives. I wouldn’t be the person I am
today without the opportunities I had to play.”

French is one of six Boston Marathon runners hitting the pavement for
Playworks New England. Her goal is to raise $8,500 to support the cause. In
December, she hosted a birthday fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for her
personal fundraising campaign. On Thursday, March 1, the team will host a
fundraising happy hour at Harpoon Brewery from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The event is open
to the public. Tickets are $30 per person. All proceeds will directly support
the Playworks New England Boston Marathon team.

“I am really inspired by the support I have received from my network
through this campaign,” says French. “People are generally more willing to give
when you’re putting in the work, and training for a marathon is certainly a lot
of work. A marathon is a huge commitment as is a fundraising goal of $8,500,
but the pay-offs in the end make it worth it. And, I’ve discovered a new love
for long-distance running in the process!”

For more information about the Playworks New England Boston Marathon
team or to support Amy French, visit: https://www.crowdrise.com/amyfrench26.

About Playworks New
England

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, Playworks integrates physical activity and social and emotional learning skill-building into organized activities during recess 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 12^th year, Playworks New England serves more than 75,000 students in 140 elementary schools across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. To date, the nonprofit has served 210,000 youth. For more information, visit: http://www.playworks.org/communities/massachusetts.

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