Sporting bright pink Skechers shoes on a dreary Sunday morning, Avery Coggins vows she can run faster than Sonic the Hedgehog.

Her teammates fire her up with warm-up drills and stretching because on this day in James Boyce Park, inspiration knows no boundaries.

“My favorite is just jogging,” Avery, a 17-year-old who attends public school in Charlotte, says. “I love to go fast.”

Smiles, high-fives, and running - this is what Providence Day Senior Morgan Boonshaft envisioned when she founded Mighty Striders Running Club. The group expands limits through the sport of running for children with special needs. The club targets children in the Greater Charlotte area.

They meet on the weekends, where the athletes team up with buddies, like Morgan and other volunteers from Providence Day, and practice agility drills, run, walk, and finish with strength training.

“It’s just so fun to take something that I’m so passionate about in my personal life and be able to give back,” says Morgan, who competes in cross country and indoor and outdoor track for the Chargers. “I love running. And to be able to help others experience the sport I love is so important. Running has given so much to me; I want to give that back to others.”

Besides running, the Mighty Striders also have post-workout snacks and drinks, receive opportunities to listen to motivational speakers, and learn aspects of teamwork. The group plans dinner outings and even celebrates the holidays with a party.

Morgan ensures there are two volunteers per athlete. The club has about 20-25 members, including Providence Day volunteers Emery Boonshaft, a freshman and Morgan’s sister, freshman Campbell Carter, and seniors Chris Duffy and Elliott Sykes.

“Everyone is welcome regardless of ability level, and we are hoping to grow the team as much as possible,” Morgan says. “We want to foster important values such as teamwork, inclusion, respect, and confidence, too. Expanding quality access to sports is essential in creating an inclusive society.”

The Mighty Striders are gearing up to compete in two races: the 3,2,1 Dash for Down Syndrome 5K and Fun Run on March 23 in Charlotte and the Carolina Distance Carnival on April 20 at Weddington High School.

“The organization was created to establish an environment for youth with special needs to grow as athletes, develop a passion for running, and build their confidence,” Morgan says. “We are dedicated to improving the lives of our participants and fostering a love of lifelong fitness.”

While Avery plays soccer and competed in gymnastics for the Special Olympics, she didn’t like running, her father, Chris Coggins, says. Since joining Mighty Striders Running Club last summer, though, she’s found a passion for the sport.

“Now she’s running around the neighborhood and on the treadmill,” Mr. Coggins says. “She wants to run. She’s also eating healthier and getting more involved. She even gets on me about eating healthier. It’s changed her.”