NEW YORK, July 28, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Recognizing the fact underserved high school students need more knowledge and understanding about the world, three runners will travel across the continental U.S. and some of the money raised will support the work of Global Kids (www.globalkids.org). Their "Transcontinental Project," will occur as the nation marks ten years since the horrific 9-11 attacks.
"As New Yorkers, our lives and education were deeply impacted by what happen on that September day. In high school, I attended Global Kids classes and learned about our country's role in the world, human rights, and the need for all of us to be global citizens. This cross-country journey is a way for us to give back and help other high school students have a similar education experience," says Jeffrey Perez, a 23-year-old recent graduate of Adelphi University on Long Island.
The other runners are Ian Leavitt and Adam Clark, who are both 22-years-old. They all met while students at Adelphi. They will commence the eight-week effort on Aug. 17 in Jones Beach, N.Y. Their plan is to run 50 miles each day, seven days a week, for a total of 3,203 miles. They plan to end in Huntington Beach, Calif. on approximately Oct.18.
"Our curriculum encourages students to realize their voice is important and there are things—large and small—that each of us can do to make sense out of tragedy. Yet with this run, I really think Jeff is going above and beyond! We appreciate all he and Ian and Adam are doing on this important journey," says Evie Hantzopoulos, executive director, Global Kids.
Through Global Kids, young people in New York City and D.C. public schools examine global issues, make local connections, and create change through peer education, social action, digital media and service-learning. Reaching more than 14,000 youth and educators each year, and many more online, Global Kids transforms lives while charting new life journeys.
Supporters can track the runners' progress and support them at: www.transcontinentalproject.com
Leavitt's portions of the funds raised will go to Deborah Hospital Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting the highest quality of patient care at the Deborah Heart and Lung Center in Trenton, N.J. Clark will be running to support Shannon's Fight, a non-profit that aims to provide individuals with rare forms of cancer a chance at life.
The Global Kids, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=4850