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"I had a lot of fun and I learned about things
that were bad for me"
-A third grade girl
"In 3rd grade, Katelynn was uncertain of herself and her place.
She often thought that she needed to be perfect in everything in
order to participate. When I encouraged her to participate in
GOTR, she said "Mom, I already know how to run." Although she
has quite a bit of natural ability in athletics, she did carry a
lower self esteem that would be expected based on her ability.
Once Katelynn got involved in the program, she was resistant to
participate in some of the activities since she always wanted to
"win." Once she realized that there are no winners or losers, I
began to see some changes. She began to realize that it was okay
to have off days... and be herself. I saw that the cooperation
that she sometimes lacked began to improve and flow over even
into school. I think the GOTR program has helped Katelynn evolve
into a more confident young lady who is comfortable with
herself."
-A mom
"I was volunteering at the 5K event. I was running With all
overweight girl towards the end. It was a hot day and she had on
long sweat pants, she was moving along very slowly. We were the
last two to near the finish line. I was so incredibly proud of
this girl to have gone the whole distance when she suddenly
stopped. "What's wrong!" I asked when she rolled up her pant
leg. "Nothing" she replied casually as she pulled out a rabbits
foot she had placed in her pant leg for good luck! She crossed
the finish line, all smiles, clutching her lucky rabbits foot.
It made me think, she's just finished a 5K, probably the
furthest she's ever gone at one time and she knows she has the
support of all the people at the finish, her parents, her
teachers, her coaches and her friends and she's proud of
herself, She is lucky.
-A 3rd grade teacher
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