That’s a Wrap! Reflecting on a Year of Growth and Achievement for Kids On The Move
That’s a wrap! The first official year as Kids On The Move has come to an end, and what an adventure it has been! Transitioning from solely running clubs to a mix of running and fitness clubs has helped further our mission to build a more active community starting with our youth. In supporting these school and community-based clubs, as well as other various events, Kids On The Move was able to encourage over 2,750 kids to get active this school year!
This would not have been possible without the dedication of over 100 volunteer coaches. With the help of these coaches, Kids On The Move inspired our kiddos to improve beyond mere fitness pursuits. Not only do we strive to make our community more active, we simultaneously work to help students learn commitment, self-discipline, build self-confidence, and break out of their comfort zones. Most importantly, students in Kids On The Move clubs come to realize their capacity to overcome challenges and accomplish seemingly hard tasks.
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what the kids have to say:
“My coaches helped me finish the race confidently.” -Huguenot High School student
“Thank [you] for teaching me to stay fit” – Barack Obama Elementary School student
“I learned how to be a good leader and that the little things make big things happen.” -Elizabeth Davis Middle School student
“I learned how to be a good and loyal friend.” -St. Joseph School student
“Run club helps me get my mind ready for a busy day of schoolwork” -Crestview Elementary School student
“My favorite thing about run club is that I’m able to be confident in myself”. – Metropolitan HYPE Center student
“[I learned that] it doesn’t matter what’s happening. Keep pushing yourself”. – Harry E. James Elementary School Student
Check out the Kids On The Move Student Survey Report.pdf (sportsbackers.org) for more information!
We owe our achievements this year to the incredible support from our community! A huge thank you to our generous funders whose contributions have been instrumental for the Kids On The Move program. The donations and grants we received this year allowed us to provide 1,256 race registrations, award over $11,00 in mini-grants to 25 clubs and school-based youth running events, supply 1,686 team t-shirts, and provide 293 pairs of new running shoes for those in need, many of which were provided in-kind in an enjoyable and secure setting where our youth can enhance their physical resilience. Shout out to you all!
Our Kids On The Move coaches work hard, but our kiddos play harder! One of the highlights of this school year was our spring race on Saturday, April 20th. We had 40 of our Kids On The Move clubs, which equated to 823 students, participate in the 25th Annual Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Atlantic Union Bank 10k Mini. Their excitement was shown through smiles and laughter as they gathered at the start lines to show off all of the hard work they put in throughout the year.
Some top highlights from the race:
- Bellevue Elementary represented their school in the best way! The kiddos hopped out of their bus buzzing with energy and chanting, “We love Bellevue!” Hearing that radiating team spirit gave us chills of excitement.
- Saint Joseph School coach, Arlene Cary, set quite an example for her club. After completing the 10k Mini with her team, she went on to complete her eighth Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k. Nice work coach!
- Elizabeth Davis middle schooler Amelia Coppler placed second in her age division for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k! The rest of her run club showed impressive times as well. Watch out for these kids in the future!
Finally, we’d like to extend a big thanks to our three Ragnar teams, who rallied together and raised over $10,000 for Kids On The Move! These teams were comprised of 24 incredible individuals came together for a two-day relay, tackling the relentless trails of Pocahontas State Park. Not only did they raise funds, but their readiness to embrace such a grueling physical feat speaks volumes about their support for our youth. Each team endured 24 hours and 120 miles of discomfort, exhaustion, shared tales, and laughter, which forged a connection that words can’t capture. We’re immensely grateful and proud of our teams!
Our clubs would not be possible without the support of our incredible volunteer coaches. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in helping make fitness FUN for the kids of RVA, consider applying to become a volunteer coach today! The Kids On The Move Coach Application is open through August 23rd!