Celebrating 10 years of active living with Active Southern West Virginia!
Join us in celebrating 10 years of promoting active living with Active Southern West Virginia! Since its inception, Active SWV has dedicated itself to offering top-notch physical activity opportunities to the communities of southern West Virginia. With initiatives like the Community Captain programs, Kids Run Clubs, and Workplace Wellness, Active SWV has inspired thousands of West Virginians to embrace a healthier lifestyle.
Creating Support
The founding board members helped to craft the organization into what it is today. Their vision and collective resources helped to launch programs across the original 4 county footprint (Nicholas, Fayette, Raleigh, Summers). Those members were; William Massey, Lillian Graning, Jay Rist, Matt Morris, Terry Hoskins, Chris Vaught, Dr. E.J. Salon, Adam Stephens, Jill Moorefield, Leslie Baker, Jane Sutphin, Gary Morefield, Chip Williams, Mick Bates, and Dr. Eloise Elliott.
“From day one as the founding executive director at Active Southern West Virginia, I have received support from partnerships and snowballing enthusiasm from volunteers and participants. This organization has truly filled a need for access to physical activity programs and events. I tell everyone I see to check out our mobile app to keep up with opportunities!” states Melanie Seiler, executive director Active SWV.
Celebrate with us! Your opportunity to share the gift of movement
Join us in celebrating this 10-year milestone by becoming a monthly supporter with a $10 donation to Active SWV. Your contributions will help us reach our $10,000 goal, allowing us to continue providing vital activity opportunities to West Virginians. Celebrate with us and make a difference today!
Programming started in 2015
The first volunteer Community Captain interest meeting was held in March of 2015 in Beckley, WV. Local inspiring athletes came together to discuss program interests, locations, and how to get their communities involved. This spurred 19 volunteer Community Captain programs such as a running group with Missy Burleson, Disc Golf with Scott Emery, a walking group with Jean Evansmore in Mount Hope, Zumba at the Bradley Fire Department with Melissa Gray, Hilary Nicolau leading a weekly Monday Mile run group, and Executive Director Melanie Seiler leading stand up paddle board programs. Fast forward to today where the Active SWV Community Captain calendar provides over 100 activity events MONTHLY across West Virginia.
The Kids Run Club program started in the spring of 2015 with free one day Kids Run events in Ansted, Fayetteville, Hinton, and Beckley. The fall of 2015 saw the first 6-week Kids Run Club program at Valley Elementary School. After completing this first program, Principal Harrah had open arms to piloting the program with her staff and students. New River Health Association school based health partnered by providing water and additional nurse supervision. The Kids Run Club program has seen steady growth since its infancy. Active Southern West Virginia now offers Kids Run Club programs state-wide through Spring and Fall sessions. This current Spring 2024 session boasts 37 Kids Run Clubs!
The growth Active Southern West Virginia has been able to lead across southern West Virginia is in huge thanks to supporters who want to see these opportunities spread even further. THANK YOU DONORS!
Other Ways to Give
- Volunteer! Active SWV has multiple avenues to volunteer – whether it’s a single day volunteer at a race event or training to be a Community Captain, we love volunteers!
- Sponsor! Active SWV hosts a variety of Signature Fundraising events with opportunities to sponsor at each.
- Participate in your employee gift-matching program
- If you are a Kroger shopper – add Active SWV as you Community Rewards recipient (Code NQ431)
- Participate in programs! Check out the calendar here!
- Do you have an indoor or outdoor space that would be great to offer a program in!? Become a venue partner.
- Here is a great link to explore more Ways to Give!
