Girls on the Run seeks coach volunteers

Do you want to change the lives of girls in Buncombe County? Girls on the Run® of WNC (GOTR of WNC) is offering that opportunity to community members interested in coaching a team of 3^rd-8^th grade girls in the upcoming 10-week fall session. Coaches work in small groups to deliver the program curriculum, listen, encourage and lead their team of 8-20 girls to what is probably their first 5K event. The fun, interactive lessons occur after school twice a week for 90 minutes (typically between 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Coaches can choose one or two days a week, based on their schedule.

Not a runner? No problem! Girls on the Run is about so much more than running. The GOTR curriculum addresses all aspects of a girl’s development. Each season, coaches teach girls about self-esteem and self-expression, healthy lifestyle habits, setting goals, teamwork, communication skills, and more! Prior coaching experience is not necessary, as training is provided to fully prepare volunteers for this special role.

“Anyone who wants to empower girls to realize their limitless potential will make a great coach!” says Executive Director, Amy Renigar. “With increasing demands on teachers, we are in greater need of community volunteers who are available after school. The number of girls we serve is directly related to the number of coaches we recruit, and we want to make sure that all Henderson County girls have a chance to participate in the transformational GOTR program,” adds Renigar.

 

Required coach training is being offered on Saturday, August 19^th at A-B Tech (Magnolia Building, 340 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801) from 9:00am to 1:30pm. A second option for training is Saturday, August 26^th at MAHEC (121 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC 28803) with free CPR/FA Certification from 9:00am-12:00pm and coach training from 12:30pm-5:00pm. Coaches must also complete an online application and pass a background check.

The GOTR of WNC fall session begins September 18^th and runs through December 1^st, with the end of the program celebratory 5K (3.1 mile) run to be held on December 3^rd at the Asheville Outlets. The program is offered in 14 WNC counties, primarily at schools, but you do not have to be a parent or teacher to coach. Coaches that are not already associated with a school will be paired with a team in their community based on availability.

To learn more, complete the application, and RSVP for the training, visit the GOTR of WNC website at gotrwnc.org/get-involved/coach or contact Nikki Santiago at nikki.santiago@girlsontherun.org.

Girls on the Run of WNC is a non-profit council of GOTR International. We provide a physical activity-based positive youth development program with the mission to“inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.” Our Presenting Sponsors include Park Ridge Hospital and Fleet Feet. GOTR is offered every fall and spring in 14 counties across WNC.  For more information on starting a program or volunteer opportunities, contact Amy Renigar at 828-713-4290 or visit www.gotrwnc.org.