TOPEKA, Kan. — Topeka native and Gatorade Kansas Track and Field Player of the Year, Ryin Miller, awarded Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills with a $1,000 grant to help accomplish the mission to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident.
Sports have seen a double-digit decline over the past decade, largely due to tighter budgets in communities, but young people that participate in sports are found to be happier, healthier and better students. As part of Gatorade’s commitment to breaking down barriers in sport, every Player of the Year receives a grant to donate to a social impact partner.
“The Gatorade Player of the Year award highlights student-athletes who set an example both on and off the field,” said Josh Lytel, Associate Marketing Manager for Gatorade Player of the Year. “The grants give these athletes a chance to donate to organizations like, Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, that positively impacts the youth in their own communities.”
“We are deeply grateful to Ryin for selecting Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills as the recipient of her Gatorade Player of the Year donation. She is paving the way for young girls across our community and showing them what dedication and hard work look like. We are proud to cheer her on through her senior year and as she continues her journey at Arkansas—her impact will inspire the next generation of strong, confident girls.” Candice McIntosh, Executive Director for Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills.
Gatorade has a longstanding history of serving athlete communities and it’s ambition is to continue doing more to create positive change. Most recently, Gatorade announced its Fuel Tomorrow commitment, a multi-year initiative to provide opportunities for everyone to play sports and realize their potential.
To keep up to date on the latest happenings, become a fan of Gatorade Player of the Year on Facebook and follow the conversation on Twitter #GatoradePOY. To learn more about Girls on the Run of the Flint Hills, visit www.gotrflinthills.org, where you can explore volunteer opportunities, find schools where girls can get involved, and discover ways to donate and support the mission.