Nov. 21, 2014
COLUMBIA, S.C. – For the first time ever, the University of South Carolina hosted USA Track and Field’s RunJumpThrow Experience, which paired with the SUBWAY Fit for Life Challenge to give kids the opportunity to learn first-hand from Team USA athletes the importance of frequent physical activity. South Carolina alumnus Natasha Hastings paired with her 2012 Olympic teammate and fellow gold medalist Francena McCorory, to lead the event, educating over 500 students on track and field’s ability to influence a healthy lifestyle.
Designed to be accessible to all children, regardless of athletic ability or fitness level, the RunJumpThrow Experience took place at South Carolina’s Weems Baskin Outdoor Track and featured contributions from student-athletes and coaches from a number of Gamecock sports, who instructed and encouraged participants throughout the morning.
“This event gives our student-athletes an opportunity to give back and to know that they are looked upon in a leadership role from these young people,” South Carolina track and field assistant head coach Delethea Quarles said. “We also love having young people on our campus and helping them learn about how to be fit and what track is about. For whatever discipline or sport they go into, running is always necessary.”
Participants were invited to take part in RunJumpThrow Experience events around the region after taking the SUBWAY Fresh Fit Challenge, which was hosted by select restaurants throughout North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The challenge drew over 60,000 participants this year, including nearly 50,000 from the state of South Carolina alone.
