6 days ago
Dare 2B Challenged inspires local women and girls
An energetic group of over 320 women and girls took part in the annual Dare 2B Challenged run/walk Sunday morning at Holiday Beach.
The event is a celebration of strength, resilience, and female empowerment through sport. Participants with a wide range of athletic backgrounds laced up their shoes to raise funds for LAWS (Ladies Active in Wellness and Sport), an organization committed to fostering a supportive culture for females pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle.
Event Director Barb Pollard, who started the initiative, shared her personal motivation for launching the run.
'I grew up without an opportunity to be involved in sport,' Pollard said. 'I want to create an opportunity for young girls and young women to come out and participate in events like this. They challenge themselves a little bit, and then we all feel good and we can all celebrate at the end of the race.'
The event has become a meaningful tradition for many families, including Tara Cohoe and her daughter Teah Durocher, who participated for the fourth consecutive year. This year, they dedicated their run to Kelly Steele, a passionate runner currently facing health challenges.
'This race is really important for us for our mental health,' said Cohoe. 'Today we ran for Kelly Steele because she's our inspirational runner, and we're carrying the torch until she can carry it back.'
For Durocher, the event's significance goes far beyond physical activity.
'Bringing people up. Bringing your self-esteem up. It really helps me to push myself to do better,' she said.
