See Donation Dollars In Action
Two-thousand NYC kids knew exactly where to park
ING Run For Something Better sponsors kids' championship
Know where to park? More than 2,000 kids ages five to 16 knew exactly where to park last week in New York City when they gathered at Randall's Island Park for the annual City Parks Track & Field Championships, sponsored by the ING Run For Something Better (RFSB) program. "I want to thank ING Run For Something Better, for their support of today's championship and our entire season, which brought in more New York City kids than ever before to participate," said David Rivel, executive director of the City Parks Foundation.
In addition to ING RFSB sponsorship, the event also benefited from a team of ING volunteers, including ING Wholesale Banking employee Amalia Torres. "I particularly remember one little girl in a wheelchair who was so overcome with emotion when she had completed the race that she was in tears. For that matter, so was I and a couple of my co-workers," said Amalia. "On the field, parents and family members were cheering all the athletes. You could just feel the energy and enthusiasm of the crowd and their support for the young athletes," Amalia added.
About ING Run For Something Better
The ING RFSB program is a fundraising campaign that supports community and school-based youth running programs and is typically linked to ING's long-distance race sponsorships. The program was created to introduce kids to the benefits of sport, a habit of physical fitness, and a healthy lifestyle that prevents conditions such as childhood obesity. Nationally, ING has committed over $2.5 million to fund grants and school-based running programs through ING RFSB.
Teams from all of New York City's 13 City Parks Track & Field sites competed in various events throughout the day, including javelin, discus, shot put, triple jump, a 400-meter run and 55-meter hurdles. "ING is proud to partner with City Parks Track & Field to provide New York City children a fun, constructive summer activity that also introduces them to the sport of running and the benefits of adopting a healthy lifestyle," said Suzanne Sullivan, director, Cause-Related Marketing, ING.
About City Parks Foundation
Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009, City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. The organization works in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level.