Team For Kids – A Runner’s Journey

As a child, there was nothing I loved more than running outside with friends. The wind blowing through my hair-as I raced past neighborhood homes. The heightened pace of my heart-pulse drumming in my ears. When I would run, I felt free and I felt alive.

My love of running has continued into adulthood, as I’m currently training for the New York City 2015 Marathon as part of Team for Kids.

Team For Kids are a group of adult runners that raise funds for the New York Road Runners Youth programs.

These programs help build healthy communities in low-income and under-serviced schools and neighborhoods by empowering youth development via running and character-building programs throughout New York City, the U.S. and internationally. The health and happiness of children and youth within communities is important.

We often forget that not all communities are safe nor do children and youth have equal access to fitness opportunities. Your donations go towards providing the resources and support to make these fitness programs a reality in the lives of thousands of youth.

What I am asking for…

I have committed to raising $2700 for these programs and ask that you donate whatever amount you’re able to. My goal is to raise $500 through crowd funding efforts with the remainder to be raised through other small events.

100% of proceeds raised by Team For Kids go towards the development of running programs and running resources for youth.

This includes; running shoes for youth, registration entry fees to runs, coaching support and access to running facilities.

If you cannot donate, please consider sharing my page with others who are also passionate about youth empowerment, fitness and creating a positive impact.

Crowd funding link: www.indiegogo.com

The Impact

Below are some facts about the New York Road Runners Youth programs.

• Serve more than 200,000 students locally and nationally through free NYRR youth running programs, events, and resources, including more than 120,000 in New York City’s five boroughs.

• Prevent overweight or obese children from eventually suffering heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses that lead to health-care costs in excess of $100 billion annually.

• Provide children and youth with an opportunity to develop healthy lifestyle habits by linking goal-setting with achievement through the practice, discipline and focus of running programs.

• Reach children of all fitness levels and athleticism, with a heightened focus on reaching out-of-shape and overweight kids with little or no athletic experience.

Contact Information

Nikoletta Papadopoulos
416-540-4573
nikoletta.papadopoulos@gmail.com
@nikpops4