A MESSAGE FROM Mina
As a girl, growing up in a developing country, there have always been many issues to overcome, hence exercising was never on my list. I did not have any idea how working out would positively affect my physical and mental health. However, in my early twenties, I finally got the taste of exercising and that was something new to me. In my home country, women are suppressed and they cannot easily run or bike on the streets. The society often send them the message that "they can't or shouldn't"! It was not until after my immigration, that I encountered running and its great influences on me. It reminded me how powerful and free I could be. Today, when I run freely on the streets, I always think of women and girls who may not have this opportunity, and I hope they earn it some day.
By becoming a SoleMate, I want to help girls realize how strong they are, how much potential they have, and how they can change the world by believing in themselves. I hope all the girls around the world discover that they are stronger than what they think.
Girls on the Run-Chicago is a non-profit after-school program with a mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident. Their innovative program combines physical activity, in the form of running, with life skills lessons that build positive physical and social-emotional health in participants.
I am so proud to be a Girls on the Run-Chicago SoleMate and to have a direct impact on ensuring that they can continue to provide girls with a safe and inclusive space to connect, learn, and build the skills they need to navigate the world around them, at a time when they need it most.
As a SoleMate, my fundraising goal is $1750. I would truly appreciate it if you support my fundraising efforts for the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, by making a donation, sharing this post, or both. No donation is too small.
Learn more about Girls on the Run-Chicago here: https://www.gotrchicago.org
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