Black Mountain students head outside for a day of fun in the sun

Local PTO hosts annual Fun Run and Ninja Course fundraiser

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
October 13, 2023

Approximately 500 local students ran, jumped, climbed and more, Oct. 13, as the Black Mountain Schools Parent Teacher Organization held its annual Fun Run and Ninja Course.

The events, which benefit teachers and students at Black Mountain Primary and Elementary Schools, were raising $35,000 to fund an updated school sign and classroom improvements.

The volunteer-led initiative allowed students to be sponsored as they competed in the festivities, which began with the Fun Run for the Kindergarten through third-graders at the primary school. Black Mountain’s youngest students represented their classes while completing laps around their respective course as music echoed through the field, which the PTO funded with the 2022 Fun Run.

The nonprofit organization is supporting the installation of a new $25,000 sign for Black Mountain Primary School along East State Street.

Fourth and fifth graders kicked off their Ninja Course competition later in the afternoon, when they were challenged by games and obstacles built by PTO volunteers. Each class competed in all six courses, as students raised money to install shade on the Black Mountain Elementary playground and classroom upgrades.

The PTO, which utilizes donations to assist teachers with classroom supplies, school improvements and a variety of educational resources, has raised $23,000 of its goal. To contribute to the fundraising campaign go to the Black Mountain Primary Fun Run and Black Mountain Elementary Ninja Course 2023 page on 99pledges.com or blackmountainpto.org.

Photos of the 2023 BMP Fun Run and BME Ninja Course can be viewed in the gallery at the top of the page.