October 7th, 2021 (Ottawa, ON.) – The Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG) Foundation today announced a partnership that has brought an acclaimed afterschool program for girls ages 8-13 to Ottawa. Since its establishment as a U.S.-based not-for-profit organization in 1996, Girls on the Run International has nurtured over 2-million girls with programs that develop the social, emotional and physical skills to cope with the life challenges that lie ahead.

“We have tremendous synergy with Girls on the Run” said Janice Barresi, Executive Director of the OSEG Foundation. “Like the OSEG Foundation, Girls on the Run is committed to the development of important life-skills through participation in sport, augmented by an evidence-based curriculum that helps girls manage emotions, resolve conflicts and make good decisions. We’re honoured be the first charitable foundation in Canada to bring the Girls on the Run program to our local community.”

The Girls on the Run program is delivered by certified and caring volunteer coaches with lessons designed to emphasize the important connection between physical and emotional health. At the end of the program, girls complete a 5K run, which develops a goal-oriented mindset and delivers a tangible sense of accomplishment.

“We are thrilled to partner with the OSEG Foundation to bring Girls on the Run programs to Canada,” said Elizabeth Kunz, Chief Executive Officer of Girls on the Run International. “Now, girls from across the Ottawa region will have the opportunity to build connections, experience the joy of movement and build their self confidence.”

The OSEG Foundation is proud to partner with local and national sponsors who recognize the limitless potential in girls. Giant Tiger, Founding Sponsor of Girls on the Run Ottawa, was instrumental through their support in bringing this program to our local community. “As a community proud retailer, Giant Tiger is committed to creating a lasting and tangible difference in the communities that we call home. We believe that our partnership with the OSEG Foundation and Girls on the Run will do just that in the lives of the girls across the Ottawa region. We are extremely proud to be the Founding Sponsor of Girls on the Run Ottawa and look forward to the positive impacts this will create in our community,” said Tova White, SVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, at Giant Tiger Stores Limited.

Thirty-One Gifts, a national sponsor, supports Girls on the Run Ottawa and Girls on the Run International through donations, serving as coaches and volunteering. “Our partnership with Girls on the Run brings to life our belief that confident girls become strong women that lead healthy families and build thriving communities. We could not be more excited to support and
invest in that same vision as the organization expands to Canada. It takes strong girls to build a strong future and we’re thankful to be part of the strong people who are helping Girls on the Run Ottawa,” said Cindy Monroe, Founder of Thirty-One Gifts.

Directed by an advisory board of community leaders, the first local Girls on the Run programs launched this fall at Bayshore Public School and Russell Heights Community House. Other schools, community groups, coaches and volunteers interested in the program are encouraged to visit the organization’s website, www.GirlsOnTheRunOttawa.ca.

For more information, please contact:

Janice Barresi
Executive Director, OSEG Foundation
jbarresi@oseg.ca
613-232-6767 x 8355