“I always loved running … it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.”
– Jesse Owens, four-time Olympic gold medalist, 1936

Time and time again, the sprints and endurance tests of the 2012 London Olympics reminded us of the power and excitement inherent in such a wide variety of sports. (Just check out these racing moments on Runner’s World for some fun examples.) But as numerous athletes mentioned in their post-race interviews, success often begins with one great coach or class or neighborhood game. So today, we’ve highlighted a few Catalogue nonprofits who are working (and running) to ensure that local kids have the chance to jump into sports and stay active:

Girls on the Run of MoCo: “… combines training for a 5K road race with uplifting workouts and team-building exercises at over 65 elementary and middle schools in Montgomery County.”

DC SCORES: “… combines soccer, writing, and service learning in an integrated, one-of-a-kind, after-school program that reaches over 800 kids each year at 27 elementary and middle schools.”

KEEN Greater DC (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now): “… committed to serving (at no cost) those so often left out of community sports and recreation — people on the severe and profound end of the disabilities spectrum.

Also: the new 2012/2013 Catalogue will feature Girls on the Run of DC and

Playworks

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