Running Mates
This project's parent organization is Chicago Run
It operates in United States
It uses Athletics
Entered the Sport for Health Award
More about Running Mates
In Chicago, the rates of childhood obesity surpass national figures with 50% of Chicago Public School students considered overweight or obese. Chicago also has a severe violence epidemic which exacerbates the obesity rates and has far-reaching health consequences including asthma, significant alteration of healthy eating and activity, heart disease, gastro-intestinal disorders, and acute mental health conditions. However, school-based physical activity programs like CR are effective at targeting a variety of health behaviors and are particularly necessary in the low-income communities of Chicago where the lack of sports-based youth development programs is one reason for the rise in obesity and violence rates. CR believes that physical activity is a fundamental strategy to promote the quality of life and helps to decrease chronic physical and mental health issues. Organized sports programs such as "Running Mates" provide a safe and healthy environment for exercise and allow for the development of supportive relationships, increased opportunities for success and academic achievement.