Paul Austin’s Play Marin organization has long sought to offer Marin City youth the opportunity to participate in organized sports and extracurricular activities, a mission “to intentionally give kids of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn and grow together through play.”
In 2021, Play Marin launched its first annual Walk-A-Thon, an approximately 5.5-mile, round trip walk from Rocky Graham Park in Marin City to the Mill Valley Middle School and back. The goal for the event was straightforward, as Austin saw it: support diversity, inclusion, and community empowerment in Marin; raise awareness; bring together our Marin County community; have fun and raise funds for the organization’s programs in the process.
The debut was a resounding success, and they’re hosting the second annual edition of the Walk-a-Thon on Oct. 22 along the same path.
Play Marin provides sports and other extracurricular activities to intentionally give kids of diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds the opportunity to learn and grow together through play. “We’re committed to spreading the word about who we are and what we do by doing what we do best – play!” Austin says.
“Our friends at Lululemon, Studio30 Fitness, Orange Theory Fitness, and The Bay Club, have partnered with Play Marin to host stations along the path to add energy, fun, and even some free swag,” Austin says. “Support from local businesses like these, and yours, enhance the sense of community felt at our Play Marin events. Any way you feel called to help is appreciated. We look forward to your support of diversity and inclusion through play in our Marin County community.”
Here’s how you can help:
–Share our flier, attached, by posting it in your windows or at your checkout counter, or on your online/digital platforms:
–Gather a group of employees, friends, families, teammates, or customers and walk with us!
–Wear your school, team or business SWAG and show your support!
–Host a fun activity along our Walk-A-Thon route, like Giant Jenga, Connect 4, or any kid or adult-friendly activities.