Girls on the Run of NWI Looks to Inspire Girls for Spring Program

Girls-on-the-Run-of-NWI-looks-to-inspire-girls-for-spring-programGirls on the Run, GOTR, of Northwest Indiana is ready for its spring season and is looking for girls ages 8 to 14 to become a part of their 10-week curriculum-based program.

Online registration has recently opened to the public until Feb. 27. GOTR offers two similar programs including a third through fifth grade program, as well as Heart & Sole, a sixth through eighth grade program. Both programs officially begin on March 6.

Jill Schlueter-Kim, Executive Director of the local council, said girls on the run is so much fun, serving as a catchy phrase that is used by the girls throughout the organization. Schlueter-Kim has been working with GOTR of NWI since 2006, where she has watched the number of girls grow from 15 to 1,700. “It’s like one of my babies. I’m proud of what it’s become,” said Schlueter-Kim.

“It’s girls working together and building each other up - that’s what it’s all about,” said Schlueter-Kim. Each program helps girls understand themselves, value relationships and teamwork, and to understand how they connect with and shape the world.

Trained volunteer coaches and mentors lead the GOTR programs, meeting twice a week after school for the lessons and a creative fitness session that includes running. “We attract amazing women and men and watch them grow and learn,” said Schlueter-Kim about the coaches, “I think they’re all really amazing.”

Registration for the program is available online at gotrofnwi.org through the Program Registration link. For questions about the program, contact Jodi Aurand, Jodi@gotrofnwi.com.

The three-month program ends with a celebratory, non-competitive 5K running event for the girls, the groups and their running buddies to help them recognize and show off their accomplishments. In one word, Schlueter-Kim described the program as empowering.

The organization has programs throughout Northwest Indiana, including Lake, Porter, La Porte and Jasper counties. The program works with surrounding elementary schools which helps recruit girls for the program, but girls do not have to attend the school to participate with that group. Groups are formed on a first-come, first-serve basis and each team has 15 to 20 girls.

Girls on the Run of Northwest Indiana serves over 1,000 girls while inspiring them to define their future and build their self image.

Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that serves over 130,000 girls in 200 cities across the United States and Canada. Our mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.