Sneaker Santa Visits NYRR Youth Programs Kids

The holidays came early to 200 NYRR Youth Programs kids who received a visit from Santa with gifts of running shoes.

On Saturday, December 12, at St. Francis College in Brooklyn, eight Mighty Milers and Young Runners sites gathered to eat pizza, play games and do hip-hop with Santa and Rocky, the St. Francis mascot. The new shoes, wrapped in colorful holiday paper, were donated by generous friends of NYRRYP. Teachers, coaches and parents also enjoyed the festivities. After the gift-giving and games were over, all the guests were invited to watch the St. Francis basketball game, courtesy of the school.

The enthusiasm for the Mighty Milers program was summed up by Jennifer, 11, from P.S. 197, as she tried on her new shoes: "I love everything about Mighty Milers. I get to hang out with my friends, go on trips to races, and now I catch the boys when we play tag."

Richard Reiss, a teacher and Mighty Milers coach at P.S. 197, was thrilled to have his kids invited to the holiday party.

"Finding the Mighty Milers running program was like getting Manna from Heaven. It is just what my kids needed. As a teacher and the coach, all I can say is that this program exceeded all my expectations. It gives the kids a gateway to a healthy lifestyle, teaches them discipline, perseverance and determination. The best part of my day is walking with them every morning. Sometimes they are at the school yard waiting for me at 7:00 a.m. And not only has this program benefitted my kids, I lost 40 pounds," said Reiss.