University of Louisville Athletes Kick Off Free Running Program for Kids: Join the Fun and Get Active!

Riley Griffith, a dedicated runner from Long Island, wasn’t always sure she’d pursue track at the University of Louisville. Her cross country coach played a significant role in boosting her confidence. “She inspired me to believe I could achieve more than I thought possible,” Riley shared.

Now a sophomore, Griffith is eager to share her passion for running with younger kids. She’s teamed up with fellow athletes Layla Roebke and Julia Schmitt to create a program called Run Your City Louisville. This free six-week running initiative welcomes students from kindergarten to eighth grade. They plan to meet every Sunday, focusing on running techniques, teamwork, and balancing nutrition with exercise.

While they haven’t finalized practice dates, interested families can sign up online.

For Griffith, running extends beyond being a sport; it’s about building connections. She feels that her team has become a second family, teaching her valuable lessons in competition and collaboration.

Meg Hancock, a professor at U of L’s sports administration program, emphasizes the significance of sports for youth. Her studies highlight that participation in sports from a young age leads to improved self-esteem, better earnings in adulthood, and lower health issues.

“Sports help develop kids not just as athletes, but as well-rounded individuals,” Hancock noted. She advocates for making sports accessible, stressing that financial barriers should not prevent children from benefitting from team experiences.

A recent survey by the Aspen Institute reveals that American families spend nearly $900 annually for one child’s sports participation. This cost only rises with multiple children involved. On a broader scale, families pay about $30-40 billion yearly for children’s sports. Unfortunately, children from lower-income families often miss out due to cost.

Hancock pointed out that in poorer areas, funding for youth sports can be minimal. This lack of resources can limit the available sports options in schools, creating inequities based on race, gender, and economic status.

David Oliver, the sports director for the Southwest YMCA, noted that financial constraints can hinder participation in their programs. However, he aims to make sports more accessible for everyone.

“To keep our programs thriving, we strive to offer affordability and inclusivity,” Oliver explained.

Andre Klaasen from the Northeast YMCA mentioned that they provide financial assistance to ensure no child is turned away.

Griffith and her teammates aim to create a welcoming environment through their program. “We want to give kids a chance to engage in sports without the stress of costs,” she said. “Even if they don’t stick with running, the experience is valuable.”

This program is part of a larger initiative that links underserved youth with student athletes, promoting fitness and community engagement. Similar efforts are seen across the U.S. and even in Rwanda, showcasing the universal need for accessible sports opportunities.

By fostering inclusivity in sports, Griffith and her team hope to inspire the next generation to embrace physical activity and teamwork.

Source link