Local non-profit inspiring kids to stay active and chase their dreams
If you’re looking for a fun, family friendly way to stay active this summer, a San Antonio non-profit is teaching children how to prioritize health, while also encouraging them to chase their dreams.
“Running Down a Dream” is a local organization that provides kids with a pair of running shoes, health education, and training.
Founder Shawn Barnett says his goal is to give kids a place to make new friends, set and reach goals, and learn about living a healthy lifestyle.
Anyone from first grade to high school is welcome to participate.
Barnett says you don’t have to have any running experience, just come out and have fun.
“We want to invite kids into a community where they can meet friends, be healthy, talk to mentors," said Barnett.
“Sometimes people need a place to get away from school. And that's what our community is for. And we can talk to kids about anything.”
Every Saturday the group meets at Woodlawn Lake Park at 8 a.m.
They non-profit also accepts gently used running shoe donations and gives them to kids who want to participate.
“We collect new and gently used shoes for young kids first grade through high school, and we give them back to kids who can't afford a pair on their own.”
Barnett is helping to expand the running community in San Antonio, and giving kids a space where they can simply have fun and be themselves.
“All you need is a pair of shoes to go for a run,” said Barnett.
“You don't need a baseball bat, you don't need a pair of football gloves, you don't need all these extra things. All you need is a pair of shoes to throw in your feet, to walk out the front door and go for as long as you want to go.”
If you'd like to learn more about Running Down a Dream click on this link.
