West Islip High School Hosts 1st Ever Color Run

From Syntax: Close to 900 members of the community recently participated in the first annual West Islip Health and Wellness Alliance Color Run, held at the high school. Proceeds from the event will support health and wellness initiatives as well as substance abuse prevention.

In addition to providing a fun day and a chance for the participants to give back, the Color Run is intended to help the Alliance fulfill its goals of reducing substance abuse among local youth, creating a strong collaboration within the community, and cultivating healthy attitudes and behaviors. Regular participation in wellness-oriented events has been shown to reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes and some types of cancer, and family participation can also deter children’s use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

“The Color Run was a tremendous success,” said Tim Horan, the district’s director of health, physical education, athletics, recreation, and family and consumer science. “Children, parents and families had a blast, and the smiles on their faces were priceless. We are already looking forward to next year’s Color Run.”

Photos courtesy of the West Islip School District