Volunteer shows sports medicine isn’t just for elite athletes

Girls on the Run volunteer offers her sports medicine support to preteen girls.

Sports medicine treatment and prevention isn’t just for elite athletes. Rebekah Hibbert, coordinator, sports medicine, Norton Sports Health, volunteers for Girls on the Run. The Louisville program encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through interactive lessons and running.

Girls on the Run involves weekly training and activities, and culminates in a celebratory 5k run.

“Being a girl is tough and research shows they’re feeling pressure to be and look a certain way at even younger ages,” said Rebekah, who also serves on the organization’s board. “Girls on the Run teaches girls to believe in themselves and to support other girls.”

Girls on the Run 5k

Standard registration for the Girls on the Run 5k is available through May 9.

The 5k will be held May 11, 2019, with race-day registration starting at 7 a.m. at The Parklands of Floyds Fork.

Register today

It’s a transformation Rebekah has witnessed firsthand.

“I love getting to interact with the girls,” she said. “They spend their time together learning, listening and bonding.”

Rebekah, a certified athletic trainer, not only provides medical support for participants, but also serves as a mentor.

“Last fall, this absolutely amazing girl asked me if I would run with her during their running time,” Rebekah said. “How could I say no? As we were running, I learned that she and her family had moved from Venezuela two years earlier. She told me how much she loved getting to know the girls and how happy she was to be in the program. 

“She was so excited for the 5k, and every time she took a break she would cheer on her teammates as they ran by her. It was a great experience for her, but equally as powerful for me.”

Schedule an Appointment

Select an appointment date and time from available spots listed below.