Fremont supports sports funding in schools through annual races.
Staff Writer
The annual Fremont Run 4 Education on November 3rd was an opportunity for community members of all ages to get together and support the Fremont education system.
Kathy Kimberlin, the president of the Fremont Education Foundation, which organizes the event, said, “This year, we had almost 250 participants of all ages run. We offer a 5K, a 10K, quarter and half mile races, and this was our second year offering the Mama Eileen’s Walk for All Abilities. We are hoping to build that up each year to include more students with different needs.”
One of the MCs at the race and American High School alumnus, Brandon Sass, said, “I like being out here with people and seeing people who would not normally have a chance to get together talk to each other. They are smiling, meeting people, and having fun.”
Before his race, Aneek Mandal (11), who participated in the 10K run, said, “The races impact the community positively because they raise awareness and funds for the Fremont Education Foundation. And for me, running helps clear my mind.”
All proceeds earned at the races go to the Guy Emanuele Sports Fund, according to the Fremont Education Foundation website. “Former trustee Guy Emanuele started this fund because he did not want any child to ever be prevented from doing sports because they could not afford it,” said Kimberlin. “We now give funds to elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools, for basketball referees or for replenishing playground supplies for elementary schools.”
Warms Spring Elementary School teacher Ms. Casey also participated in the 10K race. She said, “I think it is a really good event to get community members together. In addition to supporting education, it brings in a lot of different vendors. It is cool to see the community members checking out the different [booths].”
Participants eagerly begin running the 5K race at the Fremont Run 4 Education. “It’s a lively group of people. It’s a little small, but the people here have a lot of energy, and so it makes you more excited,” said Ms. Casey, an elementary school teacher who participated in the 10K race (PC: Tegbir Kaur (11)).
Of the sixteen expo booths at the event, many advocated for key issues in the then-upcoming election. John Schinkel, the campaign director for Yes on M-Support Fremont Schools, said, “This is a really great spot for us to talk to a lot of different families that support public education. If they support the Fremont Education Foundation, they may also want to support some of the ballot measures that support public education. That face-to-face communication is always good when trying to pass measures.”
“I think being here has a lot of impact, because it shows support for our students, teachers, and for our schools,” said Fremont Mayor-elect Raj Salwan. “[The races also] get people running, walking, socializing, and meeting like-minded folks that really value the community.”
Rinu Nair, who ran for FUSD School Board Trustee Area 4, also had a booth set up. “As someone who is running for a trustee position, we have to work to ensure that these kinds of events are being supported, that our youth are supported,” she said. “We are mostly having conversations with people here and giving kids books, erasers, and markers. We are also distributing our flyers and other material here too.”
“Being here allows me a chance to talk to Fremont families and to hear from the students and the community members directly,” said Fremont’s sitting mayor, Lily Mei. “Sometimes when we have our council meetings, we cannot answer things that are not agendized, but when we are out in the public, it gives us a chance to be accessible to our residents and vice versa, which I think is really critical. We are part of the community, so it gives me the chance to hear from my peers.”
The many expo booths at the event spread awareness about a variety of issues. “The groups here today boost everything from focusing on mental health to focusing on music and arts, and are also a chance to meet some of the candidates who are representing the community,” said Mayor Lily Mei (PC: Tegbir Kaur (11)).
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