Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a program dedicated to teaching girls confidence and life skills through an active lifestyle. This week, the DFW-based organization announced results from an independent study by Dr. Maureen R. Weiss that showed palpable evidence of Girls on the Run's positive impact on girls' lives.
Dr. Weiss' study showed that 97 percent of girls learned critical life skills during their time with Girls on the Run. Some of these skills included managing emotions, resolving conflict and helping others.
Girls on the Run has been operating in the Metroplex for over 12 years. During that time, over 6,500 girls have been involved in the various programs offered. Girls on the Run separates age groups into three different programs: Girls on the Run (grades 3- 5), Heart and Sole (grades 6-8) and High School & College (grades 9-12 and beyond). Each 10-week program culminates in a 5K that the girls have trained for. The goal of Girls on the Run is to get girls active, and in turn, build confidence that often drops once they hit adolescence. According to the recent study, it's working.
The study also showed that Girls on the Run had long-term impacts that lasted beyond girls' time in the program. Eighty-five percent of girls improved in confidence, competence, caring, character or connection to others. Girls who were the least active at the start of the season increased their physical activity level by more than 40 percent, the study shows.
If you are outside of the target age, but would still like to get involved, there are plenty of opportunities. You can volunteer as a coach, enroll your own daughter(s) for the fall season or make a donation. About 45 percent of the girls enrolled need financial assistance to participate. According to Girls on the Run, a $30 gift buys a pair of running shoes, $175 sponsors one girl and $3,000 sponsors an entire team. To find out more about how to get involved or donate, visit gotrdfw.org.