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Early on Saturday morning, approximately 3,500 girls and their Buddy Runners participated in the Reindeer Romp 5K, benefiting Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia (GOTR NOVA). Buddy Runners included mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, relatives and mentors alike; they came out in full-force to support these girls and champion their efforts throughout the 3.1 mile journey. I, along with a few of my White House colleagues, participated in this truly inspiring event. It was moving to see so many young girls excited to challenge themselves and encourage their friends to finish the race. The Run was the culmination of a fall spent training, making friends and learning the lessons of self-respect and healthy living.
GOTR NOVA is a non-profit organization whose curriculum-based youth development program is for girls in the third through eighth grades. The organization focuses on educating and preparing girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. GOTR of NOVA is part of an Independent Council of GOTR International, which has a network of over 150 chapters across the United States and Canada serving tens of thousands of girls.
This 5K served as a fantastic example what we can accomplish if we put our minds to it. Congratulations to all the girls and Buddy Runners that participated in the Reindeer Romp 5K!
Jenny Kaplan is Deputy Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls