Healthy Kids series comes to Donora
Sara Necciai wants to inspire local youth to get off the couch, get outside and get healthy.
For the second year in a row, Necciai is coordinating the Mon Valley Healthy Kids Running Series at Palmer Park in Donora.
Last year more than 40 youths from the Mon Valley participated and this year Necciai said registration has already surpassed that number.
“I am really excited to help bring a positive change to these kids and hopefully help them find a fun and healthy activity,” she said.
When Necciai moved back to the area from Indiana, Pa., she wanted to do some type of community outreach work. When she lived in Indiana, she became involved in running and found the sport not only a challenge but a way to forge many friendships with people who encouraged her in running and in her life.
A native of Monongahela and a former coach for the Healthy Kids Series in Indiana, she found bringing the series to the Mon Valley to be a perfect fit.
The series was founded by Jeff Long, founder and president of Pattison Sports, as a positive and healthy initiative to help combat childhood obesity.
In addition to the races, Necciai said the coaches help to give the kids some pointers on healthy habits.
“The program is designed to help kids want to get outside and get up and go,” said Necciai.
The series runs five Sundays, starting this week, and also will be held at Palmer Park in Donora on April 17 and 24, and May 1 and 8 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The series is open to children pre-K to eighth grade.
Each week, participants race in age-appropriate races. The races range from 50-yard dash, quarter-mile, half-mile and one mile. Each week, the participants receive points, at the end of the series the boy and girl with the most points win a trophy. All participants receive a gift bag and medal.
Necciai said what is great about the series is that anyone can participate.
“It isn’t like a team sport. You can make your own goals. You can say you just want to finish the race; the next week you can say you want to be faster. It isn’t always about winning, it is about the goals that you set for yourself,” she said.
Necciai said what she loves most about running is that you as an individual have the control.
Registration is $35 for the series or $10 for one race. Those interested in registering can do so by visiting the website http://www.healthykidsrunningseries.org/race_locations/mon-valley-pa/ or on the the Facebook page, Mon Valley Healthy Kids Running Series or by email hkrsmonvalley@gmail.com.