READING, PA – Girls on the Run of Berks County announced that seven volunteer coaches with Perry Elementary Center have been recognized by Girls on the Run International with their Remarkable Volunteer Award, a national volunteer recognition program that acknowledges the inspirational impact volunteers have on Girls on the Run.
“We are inspired by this group of determined women who are ensuring that the girls in their community have the opportunity to participate in our life-changing program,” says Tania Hollos, Girls on the Run of Berks County Program Coordinator. “We are so proud to recognize the Perry Elementary Center Coaches with this national award.”
One of Girls on the Run of Berks County’s newest teams last spring, seven women from Perry Elementary volunteered to help coach the team and by March, they were eager and ready to launch. It came to a sudden halt after only two practices as the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and kept them closed for the remainder of the school year.
“We could already see the girls connect with each other and the coaches, and really enjoyed what GOTR had to offer,” explained co-head coaches Erin Hatch and Tabatha Vega.
Upon finding out that Girls on the Run International offered GOTR Connect, a virtual opportunity to connect with girls, they did not hesitate to participate. “We knew we wanted to continue the program virtually to stay in touch with our team and see each other to talk and stay active. We are so glad we did! Getting to see our girls when school was closed brought a sense of normalcy and allowed us to stay connected and supportive of one another.”
The Perry Elementary Girls on the Run coaches remain active in providing the program to girls in their school community and will host a Fall 2020 team, “We are so excited to be a team again this fall – knowing that nothing can stop us from reaching our limitless potential together!”
“Volunteers are the heart of the Girls on the Run program and are essential to inspiring girls in the Berks and Schuylkill County areas to lead joyful, healthy and confident lives,” says Kirsten Haas, Girls on the Run of Berks County Executive Director.
