20 Girls Take Part in “Girls on the Run”

This is the second year for the Girls on the Run program in Winner.

There are 20 girls in third to fifth grade in the program.

The girls and coaches meet twice a week on Monday and Wednesday from 3:45 to 5 p.m.

The coaches are Lindsey Foster, Emily Tideman, Jessica Soja, Monica Metzger, Calley Farley

Darbi McIntyre and Bobbie Viedt are running buddies.

Bella Swedlund is the student volunteer who is helping.

Foster said the program teaches life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games.

The curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and team work.

Running is used to inspire and motivate the girls.

Each year the girls do a community service project to give back to the community. Last year the girls decorated pumpkins with the residents at the Winner Regional Healthcare Center long term care center.

Girls on the Run is a 10 week after school program like no other. The program is designed to allow every girl to recognize their inner strength.

The Girls on the Run curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms. Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, built their confidence and celebrate all that makes them unique.

Lessons also encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development.

Participants explore and discuss their own beliefs around experiences and challenges girls face at this age.

They also develop important strategies and skills to help them navigate life experiences. They start with helping the girls get a better understanding of who they are and what’s important to them.

Then, they look at the importance of team work and healthy relationships. Finally, they girls explore how they can positively connect with and shape the world.

Physical activity is woven into the program to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health.

At the end of the three-month session, they girls will take part in a 5K run in Sioux Falls on Nov. 11.