On Your Mark, Get Set, Donate!

I have a very special connection with the sport of Track & Field. I was a high jumper from the tiny town of Questa, NM and being an athlete was a ticket to college for me. I earned a scholarship from the University of New Mexico Track and Field program that helped pay my way through school so I could earn my degree (which is in Political Science, but that's another story).

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Being an athlete at that level allowed me to travel and meet people on an international scale, pursue my education, and broaden my experience way beyond New Mexico! I am still in touch today with friends that I made from all over the world. Track & Field was not only a way to support my larger dreams and education goals, but a way to find my sense of self, my capability, and strength of spirit as well as strength of body. I didn't realize it until later, but all that experience with training, injury and healing, and coaching was the beginning of this career that I love so much! You could say that Aurafitness is here today, because of those years as an athlete. This is true of David's journey as well.

 

Track & Field in particular, is such a beautiful sport that supports both individual development and teamwork. It teaches life skills way beyond what's required physically like self discipline, intentional mindset, belief in oneself, and resilience. A few years back, I had the opportunity to help with coaching our local Taos High School team for a brief time under the leadership of Head Coach Benny Mitchell. I was able to see how Benny and his staff support these kids in so many ways and give a HUGE amount of their hearts (and time) to them. They teach leadership, collaboration, sportsmanship, focus, camaraderie, and so much more. Track & Field is co-ed and embraces a huge variety of skill levels and individuals. It is also a sport that is perpetually in need of funding because it is not one of the more popular sports (like football or basketball) with lots of spectator revenue.

 

I believe that investing in youth sports is an investment in our future on many levels. Getting our kids to move is part of mental health (we feel this in our own bodies, right?). For some of our kids, their team after school is all they have. When we support our young student athletes, we ignite their potential to be and do so much more. The Aurafitness community has come together before to support local, youth initiatives and once again, we'd love to make a meaningful contribution to our kids and their growth. I'd like to personally ask you to contribute to our Taos High Track & Field program because they've asked for our help. Because without Track & Field this studio wouldn't be here. Because this is our town and we can make a difference. 

Thank you so much, Aura

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