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ING Run For Something Better a big hit in Hartford

Published Date:
10/14/2010
Music pulsated through the crowd as kids jumped and clapped to the beat. Hartford’s Bushnell Park was alive with positive energy as the ING Run For Something Better (IRFSB) — promoting the value of physical fitness among children from five surrounding towns — got under way last Friday, Oct. 8.

Since it began, more than 75,000 children have participated in programs funded by ING RFSB. Collectively, they have logged nearly 3 million miles. The initiative provides the funding needed to support schools and community-based running programs around the country.

“All of you should be proud of yourselves for taking a positive step to making your lives healthier,” said Mark Jackowitz, sales manager, Worksite Markets, to students, coaches and spectators. He also recognized two teachers, Patti Daly from East Hartford Middle School and Cathy Mitchell from Capitol Preparatory Middle School, for being “amazing role models” for their students and peers by bringing the ING RFSB to their schools.

All about the kids

To start the festivities, a proclamation from Connecticut Governor Jodi Rell officially declared Oct. 8, 2010, as ING Run For Something Better Day!

 The Windsor school team posed for a quick photo just prior to leading the students to complete their “final mile,” the actual last mile of their cumulative half or full marathon.

After celebrating their accomplishment, the kids visited educational booths set up by the Connecticut Science Museum, Hartford Wolf Pack, Back Beat City and similar organizations, where they could also pick up a few freebies.

In reflecting on the events of the day, 10-year-old Aashka said, “My favorite part of this is being outside instead of in the classroom.” Of course, Aashka wasn’t the only one enjoying a little time away from the normal routine. More than a few big kids, also known as “adults,” seemed especially happy to be out of the office on an absolutely gorgeous fall day.