AUSTIN, Texas, September 4, 2001 -- 3M has chosen GENaustin, a local nonprofit organization that helps adolescent girls develop and maintain healthy self-esteem, as a Partner and Beneficiary for its 2002 Half Marathon Event and Relay Race. The 3M Half Marathon is Austin's third-largest road racing event which raises funds and awareness for a selected nonprofit. Race Day is Sunday, February 3, 2002 and there are four events: the half marathon, the half marathon relay, the 5K fun walk/run, and the kids’ 0.8 mile noncompetitive fun run for children eight years old and under. 3M has sponsored the Austin event since 1995 and each year selects a beneficiary and guarantees a donation to them.

3M Community Affairs Manager, Russell Bridges, said the company chose GENaustin because it reaches out to girls during the intense years of early adolescence. "Part of our corporate focus for giving is middle school-age children," he said. "The middle school years are often tough years--it’s when kids make it or break it. We’ve got to get in there and show them that their opportunities are limited only by themselves, and GENaustin does that by focusing on self-esteem." GENaustin stands for Girls Empowerment Network, which exemplifies GENaustin’s role in bringing together a network of service providers and speakers to provide education, encouragement, and enlightenment to adolescent girls.

GENaustin is also announcing the first program in its 2001-2002 school year speakers' series called "Caring for Your 'Inner Athlete'- An All-American Perspective" held on September 10, 7-8:30 p.m. at West Ridge Middle School Library. Amy Goodwin, LPC, an All- American athlete and Austin counselor, will discuss how girls handle performance anxiety, parental pressure and overall stress affecting their ability to succeed.

Goodwin will offer girls, parents and other program attendees insight and guidance on the importance of keeping your body in shape and taking care of your inner self while training for sports or other high stress athletic events. This special program launches GENaustin's free speakers’ series at local middle schools. Community experts who focus on issues important to adolescent girls lead GENaustin's workshops and events. This free series is designed for girls ages 9-15, their parents, teachers, and other interested community members.

This site was last updated on 1/04/2005.

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