In 2015, Soroptimist International of Kawartha Lakes members ran a program called ‘Girls on the Run’. After that first year, the program was no longer available in Ontario. SIKL wanted to continue the incredible motivation that was evident in the participants. So, it was decided that our club would develop their own program. Hence the birth of ‘Girls of Action & Leadership’ – G.O.A.L.
G.O.A.L. is a 10-week, after-school motivational, interactive program for girls in 4th to 6th grades. It empowers them to realize their potential and overcome adversities, while participating in group and running activities. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a 5km fun run / walk.
Each girl is provided with a new pair of running shoes; as well as a G.O.A.L. tee-shirt. The girls are given the use of a pedometer to keep track of their weekly progress. Upon completion of the 5kms, a celebratory party acknowledges their accomplishments, where the girls are presented with a G.O.A.L. medal and lanyard.
The program’s weekly lessons are:
Getting to Know One Another
Moods and Emotions
Healthy Habits
Being a Good Friend
Self Esteem
Teamwork
Perseverance & Endurance
Forgiveness & Amends
Getting Along, and
A Community Project, as decided by the students.
Girls and their parents have responded with positive quotes:
“I wish it could be every day!”
“She was more confident and made healthier choices.”
“I wish there was something like this for my son.”
“We can’t afford to put our children into sports, and this has been just what our daughter needed.”
“My daughter can’t stop talking about how much she enjoyed G.O.A.L. Thank you.”
“I didn’t know that the other students felt that way about me.” (re: one of the lessons where positive notes are given to other participants)
If you would be interested in helping to sponsor these girls, in order to shape their future, please contact us.
2018-2019 – November 2018 and June 2019
This year, Queen Victoria Public School decided to hold their run in the fall. Langton Public School in Fenelon Falls and Fenelon Township School in Cameron held their programs in the spring. A total of 54 girls completed the G.O.A.L. program. While Queen Victoria didn’t have heat and bugs to content with as is the norm in the spring, they did have a few snowflakes during their final 5km fun run in November. Everyone finished the run to a welcome cup of hot chocolate!
2017-2018 – June 2018
Langton Public School in Fenelon Falls, and King Albert & Queen Victoria Public Schools in Lindsay saw a total of 52 girls complete the program.
2016-2017 – June 2017
King Albert and Queen Victoria Public Schools in Lindsay joined together to see a total of 36 girls involved.
2015-2016 – June 2016
Two Lindsay schools, King Albert and Queen Victoria Public Schools participated with 45 girls. Soroptimist members and teachers were coaches, assisted by other SIKL members, teachers, and parent volunteers.
2014-2015 – June 2015
The first ‘Girls on the Run’ program was offered to 18 girls at King Albert Public School in Lindsay, involving Soroptimist members, teachers and parent volunteers. This pilot project was so successful, we wanted to continue bringing it to other students.