P.S. 102 kids run for fun and health

Track team organizes charity race

June 18, 2015 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

The kids were happy when they finished the race! Participants were awarded medals. Photo by Angela Stornaiuolo

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When students at Bay Ridge’s P.S. 102 wanted to show the importance of getting regular exercise and eating healthy foods, they didn’t just talk the talk. They walked the walk.

Actually, they ran the race!

In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of healthy living, the students recently organized a charity race that raised money for WaterAid, a nonprofit organization that helps communities around the world build and manage clean water supplies.

The P.S. 102 5K Fun Run/Walk took place on a recent Saturday on the Shore Road Promenade near the 69th Street Pier in Bay Ridge. Dozens of participants, including kids and teachers, ran or walked along the promenade.

The event was spearheaded by the school’s track team, according to teacher Angela Stornaiuolo, who said the team had been awarded a $100 grant and wanted to use it as the basis to do something meaningful. P.S. 102 is located at 211 72nd St.

After doing some research, the students came across WaterAid and decided to hold an event to raise money for the organization.

The team members also wrote a mission statement describing their intentions.

“We decided to bridge our school and community and bring awareness to the importance of healthy living as part of our efforts. Therefore, we decided on holding a 5k Fun Run/Walk in Bay Ridge. We felt that since we are a fortunate school and community with many resources, we would like to donate the proceeds to a charity of our choice. Our executive committee researched and came across WaterAid. As New Yorkers, we are very fortunate to have flowing, clean water extremely accessible, but realize that some people throughout the world have little or no water supply; and we want to help,” the students wrote.

Prior to the 5K race, the youngsters went around to local businesses and asked for donations. As a result, they raised hundreds of dollars.

The race “was a major success,” Stornaiuolo told the Brooklyn Eagle in an email.

For more information on WaterAid, visit the organization’s website at www.wateraid.org.