In addition to food distribution and nutrition, other programs include digging water wells, youth programs, cultural and language preservation and housing assistance. There are numerous ways you can support Running Strong. Because of Ben’s passion for working with children, his monthly Dream Catcher Society Donation goes toward the Little Scholars program that provides school supplies to American Indian children. An additional annual donation goes to the Toys for Tribes program that purchases toys, coats, shoes and other items for children during the holiday season. Both donations are a Memorial Gift to honor the memory of Ben’s sister Lynn Edwards.

• To learn more about Running Strong for American Indian Youth visit: http://indianyouth.org/
  
• Programs: http://indianyouth.org/our-work/
  
• Ways to get involved: http://indianyouth.org/get-involved/
• Photos on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22947533@N07/

The National Spokesperson for Running Strong for American Indian Youth is Billy Mills, a Oglala Lakota (Sioux) who was raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Billy earned a track scholarship to the University of Kansas and later served as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. At the 1964 Olympics, Billy Mills shocked the world when he came from behind to win the gold medal in the 10k race. At the time, he set a world record of 28 m 24.4s and he is still the only American to ever win a gold medal in the 10,000 meters.

Billy Mills and Nicholas Sparks co-wrote the book Wokini: a Lakota Journey to Happiness and Understanding.  Now in its eighth printing, under the name Lessons of a Lakota, the book uses traditional Indian legends to teach life lessons about gaining happiness. Billy Mills was the inspiration for the movie Running Brave. The movie stars Robbie Benson and chronicles the story of Billy’s life on the Reservation and the many obstacles he overcame to become an Olympic Champion.

In Lakota culture, someone who achieves great success has a ‘giveaway’ to thank the support system of family and friends who helped him achieve his goal. As part of his effort to give back to the American Indian community, Billy Mills joined forces with Eugene Krizek to help found Running Strong for American Indian Youth. Today Billy travels over 300 days every year. He visits American Indian communities throughout the U.S. and speaks to American Indian youth about healthy lifestyles and taking pride in their heritage.

To learn more about Billy Mills and his work with Running Strong, view the wonderful documentary below produced by students.

Video link: Billy Mills: Every Passion Has Its Destiny (embedded above)

Article link: Believe, Believe, Believe: Billy Mills’ Own Story — from Desperation to Winning Gold