Andres Lopez, reporter1@sewardindependent.com
Running under the hot summer sun on the Fourth of July may seem like a nightmare for homebody and air conditioning enthusiasts, but this year’s Freedom Run offers an opportunity for Seward youth.
Wellness Center Director Joel Bullers said the Wellness Center has now taken ownership from the Seward Optimist Club and manages the 10K Freedom Run and the 2-Mile Fun Run.
Blais said because of the success of this new initiative, the Wellness Center is planning a scholarship program to allow Seward youth to participate in before- and after-school activities and have a base-level membership with funds raised from the Freedom Run.
Blais expects the event to raise between $5,000 and $10,000, mainly from corporate donations and registration fees, with the money to be used toward scholarships.
Blades said the funding will provide a safe and fun place for children to hang out after school and help families in need.
“A lot of the questions we get are about what to do for people who can’t afford a full membership. We want to make this accessible to everyone if possible,” Blais said.
The scholarship only provides young people with access to the wellness center, but Blais said they hope to expand this in the future and find ways to make the facility more accessible to the whole family.
“We want to make sure that youth who want to participate in our before and after school care programs can do so for free through this program,” Blais said. “Membership may not be completely free for families, but it will be offered at a discounted rate.”
Blais said the funding does not include the cost of classes or personal trainers, which are extra fees.
Blais said the scholarship program would be structured similarly to the free and reduced-price lunch programs implemented in public schools. He said he hopes the wellness center will work with the school district to find ways to best help area youth.
In addition to this addition to the Freedom Run, the Wellness Center has also changed up the course for runners: Blades said the 10K Freedom Run will use the Plum Creek Trail as well as a portion of the running course used by the high school cross country team.
Blais said he hopes these changes will provide Seward youth with additional opportunities at the wellness center, with feedback from the community expected following the event.
