Harvest Youth Board helps Speediatrics race into Martinsville

Joanie Petty, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge, said NASCAR is one of Martinsville-Henry County’s largest economic drivers and part of the culture throughout the community.

“It’s impressive that the youth board is investing in things like this that are supporting other youth and younger youth – exposing them to things like motorsports and racing that could become future careers for them,” she said. “I think it’s really cool that they (Harvest Youth Board) see this as an investment. It probably fits close to their hearts because it’s so close to home.”

Anne Harris, a member of the Harvest Youth Board, said she’s excited the board approved this grant because of the impact it will have on the children that got to experience The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics event.

“The Speediatrics program is such a great program to show kids how to be active and healthy but still have fun while taking care of themselves,” Harris said. “We had the perfect opportunity with the Martinsville Speedway being such a big part of our community to be able to host this wonderful event right here in our area. I’m so happy that the Harvest Board got to not only approve but engage with the event also.”

Harvest Youth Board Treasurer Jacob Tisdale added that the grant “aligns with our mission and our goal of promoting health and wellness for the youth in our area. We are proud to see the Martinsville Speedway engaging kids and promoting the culture of a race town as well as positive messages about living active lifestyles. We are excited to see the results and fun times that the kids gain from the experience.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Blue Ridge and The NASCAR Foundation have partnered together over the past year. Petty said it’s a great partnership that has further solidified the strong relationship with Martinsville Speedway.

“We have a saying that NASCAR is family,” said Nichole Krieger, executive director of The NASCAR Foundation. “What’s better than kids helping kids? I’m so excited members of the youth board got to experience Speediatrics and what it means for the children who participate.”

The NASCAR Foundation had six Speediatrics events this year and Martinsville was chosen as one of the locations, Krieger said. When an event comes to a town, she said they are in and out but try to leave something behind.

“We want to have a lasting impact on the children who attend our Speediatrics events,” Krieger said. “The youth board is part of bringing Fit Kits to the participants, and some of the kids are already wearing their pedometers. They’ve started tracking their steps and we’ll continue to get reports back on how well they’re doing.”

Petty said more than 100 children have participated in the program, which will be a great kickoff to the Boys & Girls Clubs’ fitness challenge throughout the month of November.

The goal of The NASCAR Foundation’s Speediatrics Fun Day Festival is to inspire children in racing communities to lead a healthy lifestyle. To find out more, visit NASCARfoundation.org. 

About The Harvest Foundation Youth Board:
The Harvest Youth Board was created in June 2015 to develop projects and initiatives important to young people in Martinsville-Henry County, and to advise the Harvest Foundation Board of Directors on issues relating to youth. The board is supported by the Harvest Foundation and the Kiwanis Club. Grants are available to nonprofits in Martinsville-Henry County for up to $5,000. 

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About The NASCAR Foundation:
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing Inc. (NASCAR) established The NASCAR Foundation in January 2006 to support initiatives that positively affect the lives of children throughout the United States. The 501(c) (3) non-profit entity partners with medical experts and other charitable organizations to fund children’s health care programs. The NASCAR Foundation has cumulatively donated more than $34 million to reach more than one million children. For more information on The NASCAR Foundation, please visit: NASCARfoundation.org. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on Twitter: @NASCAR_FDN.