With school closures, guidelines on social distancing, and the restrictions around large public events, Girls on the Run Northeast Tennessee has been greatly impacted by the spread of the coronavirus.
“We are incredibly disappointed, as we know our girls and coaches are too, but recognize our great collective responsibility to ensure a safer and healthier community for all,” said Rebecca Dunkelberger, executive director of Girls on the Run Northeast Tennessee.
But that hasn’t slowed down young girls who benefit from the programing offered by the nonprofit organization. Girls on the Run may have had no choice but to cancel in-person programing and the celebratory 5K event that traditionally comes near the end of the school year, but the organization’s leaders have found some creative ways to offer its programing remotely.
Those who were in the midst of the season are able to access Girls on the Run at Home, a series of fun, interactive lessons the girls and their families can do at home. The lessons are designed to promote the sort of improvement they would be able to make at in-person practices, and they come along with a series of YouTube videos.
The social media hashtag #GOTRGotYourBack has offered inspiration and support to everyone involved with the organization. Those who search for the hashtag on Facebook and Instgram will find bonus tips, activities and lessons to keep them going.
Finally, Girls on the Run will host a virtual 5K event during the month of May. Instead of gathering in a large group to run the season-ending race, girls will be able to run their own 5K event between May 2 and May 16. Registration for community members is now open, and proceeds will be used to support the scholarship fund to help make the Fall 2020 season stronger than ever.
For more information on Girls on the Run and the virtual 5K, visit www.stronggirlsrun.com.
