SPOKANE, Wash. – Around 2,500 kids are expected to participate in Jr. Bloomsday this Sunday, but not everyone can afford the registration fee.
For some families, $20 is more than they can afford to sign their kids up to run. That’s why, for the first time ever, this year students have a scholarship option.
Here’s how it works:
If any kid cannot afford to participate, they can inform their coach or P.E. teacher, who will then contact the Jr. Bloomsday office to have their fee waived.
Then, that runner will receive all the same perks that other participants receive (a t-shirt, a ticket to Silverwood, a free drink at Dutch Bros, a free Kona Ice treat, a free kids meal at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and 50% off admission to the carousel).
This initiative came about when, during the race last year, the Bloomsday board learned that a teacher had paid for multiple students who could not afford to pay for themselves. The teacher’s rationale was that $20 should not hinder anyone from pursuing their dreams.
“Any child who walks through this door needs to be treated like they can do anything,” said Linwood Elementary teacher Fiona Zwiesler. “And that they can dream big and achieve their goals.”
The Bloomsday team is currently accepting donations for future sponsorships. To contribute, you can call their office, and they can process your card payment over the phone. The number is 509-838-1579.
Jr. Bloomsday takes place this Sunday, April 14th, at Spokane Falls Community College. Runners will start in waves from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Registration will not be available after Friday, April 12th.
