The Stronger Together Challenge was launched by Strong Kids Global this winter as a weeklong event revolving around movement, health, and self-confidence.
The challenge had over 200 U.S. mentees involved, who each promised to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day which consisted of running, strength drills, and virtual group workouts. At the week's end, it was obvious that movement is not just a physical exercise but it also strengthens the mind.
A 14-year-old Illinois mentee said, “I realized that even a small amount of effort is valuable. I am now actively participating every day not because I need to, but because I am capable of it.”
The person leading th movement was Ariyana Abdiyeva, a high school female wrestler, who perfectly reflects the values of Strong Kids Global. A photo of her in competition s displayed as the cover of this blog. At the very start of her wrestling career, Ariyana found herself lacking self-confidence. However, with the combination of discipline and tenacity, she has uncovered her strength and is now the one to take others along the way.
“Wrestling has shown me that it is never an option to quit,” says Ariyana. “One does not lose when one is weak, losing is a part of learning to rise again.” The story of Ariyana motivated mentees all over the country to take a risk, go beyond their limits, and trust in their abilities.
The Stronger Together Challenge turned out to be far beyond a physical event, it was a journey of strength, togetherness, and self-awareness. 200 children had the same goal: to become stronger together.
