We would like to welcome the Girls on the Run of East Central Illinois to the Mattoon Area YMCA family!

 

Girls on the Run is an innovative, after school program for girls in 3rd to 5th grade. Over the course of a 10-week season, volunteer coaches teach the girls life-skills such as handling bullies, dealing with body image issues, making healthy decisions and contributing to the community. As a part of the structured lessons, the girls participate in activities to introduce them to the power of running at this pivotal age. The combination of the lessons and running help prepare girls for a lifetime of self respect and healthy living. This character-building program focuses on increasing self-esteem, confidence and improving physical and emotional health.

 

Starting September 13th, 2011 we will kick off the first Girls on the Run season here at the Y. Participants will meet on Tuesdays and Thursday for 10 weeks and registration is currently open for girls from 3rd through 8th grade. Over the course of the season, volunteer coaches will teach life lessons including how to handle bullies, dealing with body image and the media, making healthy decisions and how to get involved with the community. Along the way, the girls train together to run a end of the season 5k run.

 

This character building program focuses on building self-esteem, confidence and improving physical and emotional health and is open to 12 participants. If you are interested in participating in the program, please download our registration form or call the Y at 217-234-9494 for more information. Please mail registration form along with cash or check to The Mattoon YMCA, 221 N. 16th Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. Financial assistance is also available for participants who qualify. For more information, please view our scholarship form.

 

For more information on how you can get involved in Girls on the Run of East Central Illinois, click here to view their official website, download theirGet Involved flyer or call Beth Gillespie at 248-506-3865.