Mentoring: A Running Start 2008

Welcome mentor teams!

Program Description

Mentoring: A Running Start provides an opportunity for youth to train for a 5K race to learn lessons in teamwork, goal setting and accomplishment. Participants in the running program will train for the noncompetitive 5K that is a part of the Detroit Free Press/Flagstar Marathon festivities in October.

The program aims to instill a life-long love for running and physical fitness in Michigan youth and adults. Knowledge and motivation are provided to reach the goal of running a 5K. After completion of the program, participants are encouraged to continue running and setting new physical activity goals.

Mentor Teams in Detroit October 18-19

Governor's Residence Day August 19

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Governor’s Residence Day

On Tuesday, August 19 many of our mentor teams traveled to Lansing for a special event. The day started with a visit to the home of Michigan State Basketball, the Breslin Student Events Center. Our tour guides showed us the practice gyms, trophy showcases, the main arena (including the freshly polished basketball floor), and also the Coaches’ Offices. Men’s Basketball Assistant Coach Dwayne Stephens spoke to our group in the official team film-review room. Assistant Coach Stephens praised our mentees for committing to physical activity despite all of the current technologies that can often distract youth from being active. After eating lunch, we headed to the Capitol. Our group saw the House and Senate floors and even Governor Granholm’s ceremonial office. We ended our trip with a wonderful reception at the Governor’s Residence. Program sponsors, legislators and other dignitaries including the First Gentleman Dan Mulhern, Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health Janet Olszewski, and Executive Director of the Michigan Community Service Commission Musette Michael. Each team was fitted for running shoes by staff from Playmakers, and also received one piece of the 2008 team uniform.