The starting gun will set off the girls in the Run For Fun Program, but there is no sign of the finish line for this youth development initiative.
The Community Policing Centre, RCMP Victim Services and the Prince George RCMP detachment joined forces to offer girls aged eight to 15 a summer mentorship opportunity, all plugged into recreational running. Twice a week the girls met up at Fort George Park and set off for an age-appropriate jog around the natural neighbourhood. However, other components were part of the meeting as well, everything from bullying safeguards to Internet protection to esteem building to instruction in making healthy choices. Fitness and knowledge were the foundations of the group.
According to Community Policing Centre co-ordinator Linda Parker, one of the group leaders, as many as 30 girls at a time came out, and more than 60 girls came at least once.
The program concludes on Saturday with a fun race for all who took part since it started in May, but its future will run on after that.
"We would be silly not to go ahead doing it again next season," said Parker. "We were surprised and pleased with the high level of interest in the program. The response from the community and the girls has been the main thing."
Parker reported seeing a diversity of personalities and backgrounds come forward to take part, and "it was fun to see the determination and positive attitudes that came out, for them."
The race and reception in the park starts Saturday at 11 a.m. (sign-in at 10 a.m.), rain or shine.
