Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/918219
26 runninginsight.com ©2017 Formula4media LLC. The Award: Run For Good Presented by Saucony The Winner: Varsity Sports, Louisiana Why They Won Introduced by Todd Dalhausser, VP Sales Saucony "This is an award for a retailer who inspires kids to Run Their World through community programs. Our Run For Good Foundation is committed to reversing the childhood obesity trend by offering children the oppor- tunity to enjoy the benefits of running a healthy lifestyle. By providing to community organizations to promote running and fitness programs, Run For Good Foundation is dedicated to not only preventing but eliminating this serious concern. Over the past 10 years we've provided 156 grants totaling $1.5M. CDC reports that childhood obesity has tripled over the past 30 years, affecting one in every five kids. Studies show that if a child is obese between the ages of 10-13 they have a 70 percent chance of being obese as an adult. The two primary factors are poor food choices and lack of exercise. Let me share some highlights about the 2017 winner. • They are located in an area where childhood obesity is at the highest rates. • They've started road races for children that help to provide funds for other programs. • They have created running clubs where they provide uniforms and shoes for the team. School administrators are seeing an im- provement in standardized testing results for those children on the team. • They have provided funding for scholarships. • The store has Girls only programs for children in the third through eighth grade. • They have created health and education initiatives, a six week challenge for area kids and raised $100k+ for area schools in need of new facilities. • The award is a $5,000 donation to put towards one of their youth programs and an event that Saucony and Varsity Sports will build together to drive awareness and education on the ben- efits of regular exercise." n PRESENTED BY: Todd Dalhausser, Saucony, Jenni Peters, Jessica Jones, and Lauren Haro of Varsity Sports. VARSITY SPORTS Louisiana RUN FOR GOOD AWARD