Colorado Strong: Girls at Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind train for 5k

Girls at the Colorado School of the Deaf and the Blind prepared Monday for their upcoming 5k race.

The elementary-age students are participating the Girls on The Run. The program teaches girls about healthy living and self esteem while they prepare to run a 5k.

Every girl participating on the school’s program is legally deaf. Coaches and athletes communicate using sign language.

Life had thrown challenges at Grace Shular but she said that doesn’t matter on the track.

“I just felt like it doesn’t matter. I can do it,” said Shular.

The girls practice twice a week. Shular said she is preparing for the race, and something much bigger.

“I want to be really good at running the 5k and then I want to join the Olympics,” said Shular.

Coach Emily Wojahn said besides using sign language, there isn’t anything different about their practice compared to other Girls on the Run teams.

“They are pretty typical 7, 8, 9-year-old girls. They are worried about clothes and their friends and any other thing those girls would be worried about,” said Wojahn.

The girls form friendships between the games, stretching and laps around the track.

“That’s pretty cool to see. Something that gets them out of the classroom and transfer those skills back into the classroom. That they can stand up for each other and encourage each other inside the classroom,” said Wojahn.

The 5k will be at America the Beautiful Park on Nov. 15. The race will be for every team from Girls On The Run in Southern Colorado.