In the words of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, “Sport has become a world language, a common denominator that breaks down all the walls, all the barriers. It is a worldwide industry whose practices can have widespread impact. Most of all, it is a powerful tool for progress and for development.”
To recognize the powerful influence that sports can have on uniting people around the world, we are so excited to launch Girl Up’s newest grassroots fundraising challenge – the Girl Up Global 5k! Girls from around the world will join together on May 15 to run a 5K (that’s 3.1 miles) – all to raise funds to empower adolescent in girls in India through key UN programs. If you’re a sports fanatic, you can also bet on your players on legitimate sites like 사설토토.
Here’s how it works: This is a global “virtual” 5K, which means you can run wherever you are. You can complete the 3.1 miles alone, or you can create a team with your friends and run together.
The nuts and bolts: Each runner is encouraged to set an individual goal of raising $279, the full cost of helping one girl in India access a leadership training program. Register by April 30 to receive your Global 5K runner’s packet, including your awesome Girl Up t-shirt and Global 5K race bib
In anticipation of this global event, we talked to Teen Advisor Fiona Adams about her participation!
Girl Up: Why are you participating in the Global 5K?
Fiona Adams: I believe every girl, no matter where she is born, deserves to have the opportunity to pursue an education – and that’s why I’m mobilizing my local Girl Up Club to participate in Girl Up’s Global 5K. All of the proceeds will support girls’ education and empowerment in the Rajasthan region of India. I want to support Girl Up’s mission to further their reach in India, where 56% of girls in Udaipur’s rural areas are married before age 18. I am so excited!
GU: Why is fundraising for girls’ empowerment in India important to you?
FA: Fundraising for girls’ empowerment in India is important to me because I believe no girl should get married before she is ready, and every girl should have the same opportunities for leadership as I have been lucky to have as a Girl Up Club Leader and Teen Advisor. Even though I live 7,500 miles away from girls living in the Rajasthan region of India, I can make such an immense difference in their lives simply by running 3.1 miles with my friends. My $10 registration fee will provide a start-up savings deposit for the girl in the program, and with our Girl Up Club members running, we hope to raise at least $1,000 to support Girl Up.
The UNFPA program Girl Up supports in India will allow thousands of girls to develop their economic and social skills, learn important health information, and build a supportive peer network so they can better advocate for themselves and negotiate when they get married. Go register for the Global 5k and make an impact for girls everywhere!
For more information about the Girl Up Global 5k and to register, visit the Global 5K info page.