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Florida Blue Kid's Running Program

Get Kids Moving And Give Them The Means To Do It!

Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious issue with many health and social consequences that often continue into adulthood.

In 2012, 453 elementary and middle school aged kids from inner-city and economically challenged neighborhoods throughout the Tampa Bay community participated in the Florida Blue Kids Running Program.  For six-weeks, the kids participated in Tampa Metro YMCA Staffed fitness drills and life goals training.  Through these drills, the kids were introduced to running as a lifestyle activity and to the concept that being fit can be fun.

The goal for the kids from the beginning...their carrot...if they attended all of the training sessions, attended school on a daily basis (no absences), had a good attitude, were polite, respectful and helpful and worked as a team, on Sunday, March 4, 2012, they, along with their coaches, chaperones and volunteers, would be transported to Bayshore Boulevard to run the final two miles of the 2012 Gasparilla Half Marathon.  Upon arrival, they would work several of the Half Marathon Aid Stations and then as a group, they would run the final two miles and cross the Half Marathon Finish Line receiving their own Florida Blue Kids Running Program Finisher’s Medal and Florida Blue Kids Running Program Finisher’s Certificate (below).

CONGRATULATIONS!

FLORIDA BLUE KIDS RUNNING PROGRAM KIDS!

On Sunday, March 4, 2012, the Florida Blue Kids did indeed do what for six weeks, they had worked and trained to do.  In addition to running the final two miles and crossing the Finish LIne of the 2012 Gasparilla Half Marathon, on Race Morning and in spite of the cold, rain and wind, they did what they promised to do and touched the lives of thousands of Gasparilla Half Marathon runner and walkers as they too, were in the final two miles of their half marathon.  The Florida Blue Kids cheered them on...high fived them as they passed by...smiled at them and for many, the kids provided the extra push that got them to their Finish Line.

THANK YOU FLORIDA BLUE KIDS RUNNING PROGRAM KIDS! 

Click certificate to download a printable version

Thanks to Florida Blue, Kellogg’s and Publix Super Markets, each Florida Blue Kid received a a Florida Blue Kids Running Program T-Shirt, a pair of Nike Running Shoes, a Kellogg’s Tony the Tiger Soccer Ball and a pair of Gasparilla ‘Pirate’ Themed Running Socks.