Oregon Nonprofit Empowers Young Girls Through Running — KATU
PORTLAND, Ore. — Two years ago, Cary Sampson joined the Oregon-based nonprofit Girls on the Run as a coach. "It's a really empowering experience for the girls and the coaches," she said. At that same time, her daughter Antwanna joined as a runner. Seeing her daughter participate in the program makes Cary feel "great as a mom."
Since then, Cary has noticed changes in 10-year-old Antwanna. "I've noticed that she has a lot of empathy," she said. “That's something that maybe we were lacking before, but I think Girls on the Run teaches girls to have empathy for other people, and I think that's one of the things I've noticed that's improved in her.”
Antwanna feels some physical changes in herself. "I run a lot faster now," she said. She's also discovered some mental changes. "If you're mad about something, you can take it out in running," she explained. "And then, just completing a goal that you make makes it better."
Teaching young girls emotional regulation and goal-setting is exactly what Girls on the Run strives to do. "At Girls on the Run, we use a research-based curriculum that pairs social-emotional learning with physical activity to support girls in our community with the skills they need to thrive," said Mavia Haight, Executive Director of Girls on the Run. She became executive director five years ago. "It's so incredibly rewarding to be with Girls on the Run," she said.
For Mavia, one of the most rewarding parts is watching the girls run a 5k. "Every season, the girls build up to completing a 5k at the end," Mavia explained. The 5k is an opportunity for the girls to demonstrate their growth after 10 weeks of practice. "I mean, even thinking about watching those girls cross the finish line on 5k day makes me a little emotional, it's just so rewarding," Mavia said. The first step in accomplishing this 5k is helping the girls believe in themselves first.
That's where the coaches come in. "We get to go through these lessons together about how we can build each other up, make each other better, and encourage each other," said Cary.
These lessons help girls like Antwanna build resilience. "It feels really good to complete a mission," she says.
Aside from the 5k and the amazing snacks waiting at the finish line, Antwanna's most grateful to Girls on the Run for making her feel noticed.
Girls on the Run is for 3rd-5th grade girls. Spring season lasts from March 18, 2024-June 1, 2024. Registration opens for coaches on February 16 and for participants on February 21. If you're interested in coaching, click here. For participation, click here. Email info@girlsontherunpdx.orgor call (503)318-5212 for more information.
Antwanna spending time with friends at the Girls on the Run 5k | Courtesy of Girls on the Run Greater Oregon
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The Women's Foundation of Oregon is harnessing the power of teamwork to champion girls in sports. We're a group of people who work together to support and promote gender justice. We believe in being free and fair, working as a team, finding happiness, growing, being honest, showing bravery, and making things right.