SCHOOL TEAM CHALLENGE

The Komen Grand Rapids Race for the Cure is very excited to bring back the School Team Challenge(STC) for the 2010 Race for the Cure.  This year we are extending the High School Team Challenge to include all schools and age ranges.

The High School Team Challenge was started at the Columbus Race for the Cure by Lindsay Avner.  She was 12 years old when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.  During her second Race for the Cure, she was surprised by the lack of high school student participation.  She knew how breast cancer altered her life and so many others so she set out to get more high school students involved.  Young people have an incredible ability to motivate others to become excited about an idea or experience.  Breast cancer unfortunatley touches many lives and in turn that motivates them to get involved for the cause.

The GOALS for the School Team Challenge:

• increase breast cancer awareness inthe next generation
• increase school participation in the Race and foster a bit of healthy competition
• raise funds to help support the Komen Grand Rapids Affiliate - click here to see how the money is spent
• engage children and teens in community causes - 75% of all proceeds remain in Montcalm, Muskegon, Ottawa and Kent counties to assist with local breast cancer education, screening and treatment programs
• have fun while supporting a great cause and positively supporting the community

What is a School Team?

A School Team is a group of 12 or more people including a team captain, representing a school, who want to participate in the Race.  The members could consist of students, faculty, staff, student council members or National Honor Society members, athletic teams or booster clubs, school bands,  various club members and family.  The School Team members do not have to participate in the same event.  Some may choose to participate in the 5K Run/Walk and others in the Community Walk.  Anyone who wants to join in the fight against breast cancer and represent your school may join your team.  There is no limit to the number of members on a team.

Each team can compete for prizes in a number of categories such as the greatest percentage of student body participation and highest fund raising team.  Members can also earn individual fund-raising prizes as well.

For more information on the School Team Challenge, please download the following documents:

2010 School Team Challenge Kit

Letter to Schools from the School Team Challenge Co-chairs

Team Regsitration Form

Team Sign -up Form

Form a Team

School Teams are encouraged to carry signs or banners with your team logo.  In the past, School Teams have designed their own t-shirts to wear as well.  School Team members can help each other raise pledge money.  Some ideas to get you started are included in the School Team Challenge Kit.  The School Team with the largest number of participants and the highest amount of dollars raised will be invited to and be recognized at the Celebration Dinner. 

School Team Packet Pick-up

School Team packet pick-up will be held before the Race.  The first pick-up is scheduled for Saturday, September 11, 2010 at Rivertown Crossings Mall (second floor, in front of the Cinemark Theater) from 10 am to 5 pm.  A second pick-up is scheduled for Friday, September 24, 2010 at the same location from 10 am to 5 pm.  You must schedule an appointment in advance to pick up team member materials.  Information is included in the School Team Challenge Kit.   

For questions regarding the School Team Challenge, please e-mail us at: schoolchallenge@komengr.org or look for us on Facebook.