My student-athletes are something else. I teach at a wonderfully diverse, invested, and high-energy school where there is no such thing as a dull day. For the past two years, my colleague Mrs. Woolson and I have been running a cross country program to help some of our kids let off some steam, build running endurance, create healthy habits, and form strong team-oriented bonds with peers outside of a traditional classroom environment. We are so proud to watch how our athletes have grown and matured since the program started and can see the wonderful impact it has had on our community.
Our athletes contribute so much positivity and energy to the team, but do not always have the right equipment to match their dedication.
When our kids push themselves to run several miles at a competitive pace in shoes that are too small, too heavy, or simply too worn, it opens them up to potential injury. We do not have the funds to cover new shoes for all students who need them, which in turn creates an equity dilemma where not all students have the same competitive opportunities due to footwear options, a basic need for any runner.
My Project
Please help us ensure that all of our students have the proper equipment to be successful. The old adage goes that you never skimp on anything that goes in between you and the ground - when our kids are putting in over a hundred a miles a season, it is especially important that we help them promote good form and sustain their long-term running health.
All proceeds will be used to promote equity among our athletes by giving everyone access to running shoes in a variety of common middle-school sizes.
Since our student-athletes are constantly growing, it is not always feasible to buy new, larger shoes every season. A small "library" of shoes would help alleviate this issue and ensure that everyone has access to decent-fitting shoes designed to endure and support the hard work that they put in every day.
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