Girls on the Run of Spartanburg Expands Across the Upstate

This week’s blog is written by Mary Ann Cleland, Executive Director, Girls on the Run of Spartanburg Girls on the Run of Spartanburg has recently merged with Girls on the Run programs in Greenville, Laurens and Pickens Counties, creating Girls on the Run Upstate SC. This is fantastic news for our community as the merging of these programs will allow Girls on the Run Upstate SC to ultimately serve a greater number of girls while ensuring high quality program delivery.  In addition, this merger will help the organization sustain its commitment to program accessibility and inclusion and serve ALL girls.

About The Progam

The organization will continue to be based in Spartanburg. Emmy Williams will serve as the Program Manager while Mary Ann Cleland will continue to serve as Executive Director.  “This merger is an exciting opportunity for our collective communities to become a leader in the area of positive youth development while making a strong and constructive impact on the health and wellness of our young women,” States Cleland. The Girls on the Run Upstate program is a 10-week, after-school physical activity-based, positive youth development program for more than 900 third- through eighth-grade girls in the area. Two seasons, fall and spring each year, teach life skills through fun interactive lessons and running games to build confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Each session culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K  — to be held this November 23, at USC Upstate in Spartanburg.

Program Successes

Findings from an independent study show the Girls on the Run program has a significant impact on young women’s lives with 97 percent learning critical life skills and 85 percent showing improved confidence, competence, caring, character or connection. The girls who were the least active at the start of the program demonstrated a more than 40 percent increase in physical activity.   For more information about Girls on the Run, please contact Mary Ann Cleland.