Boys Girls Clubs launch Project L.A.N.E. healthy lifestyle program

Boys Girls Clubs launch Project L.A.N.E. healthy lifestyle program

Initiative named in honor of the late Lane Richards

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula is launching Project L.A.N.E., which stands for Lifestyle, Attitude, Nutrition and Exercise. The initiative aims to encourage club members ages 6-18 to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Project L.A.N.E. is named in honor of the late Lane Richards, who spent 50 years living in Forks and Port Angeles.

Known for his passion for athletics and fitness, Richards was a certified personal trainer for four years during which time he inspired others to lead healthier, more active lives through a balanced focus on attitude, nutrition, and exercise, a press release about the new program stated.

Richards was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in July 2018 and fought through numerous challenges related to cancer treatments before he passed in August 2020.

Project L.A.N.E. is designed to promote overall wellness by supporting the mind (through learning healthy habits), the body (via fun, physical challenges), and the soul (through social recreation). The program will help youth develop critical life skills such as teamwork, good sportsmanship, resilience, perseverance, and communication, the press release stated.

Core goals include increasing young people’s knowledge of healthy habits, boosting the amount of time they engage in daily physical activity, and strengthening their ability to interact positively with others.

“Bringing Project L.A.N.E. to the Olympic Peninsula is incredibly meaningful for me and my family,” said Karen Richards, Richard’s widow, in the announcement about the new program. “This region is such a big part of our lives. We both grew up here, built lifelong friendships here, and Lane inspired so many with his passion for health and fitness.”

Now, five years after Richards’ passing, “the timing feels right to honor his legacy in a way that continues to uplift young people,” Karen Richards continued. “I can’t think of a better tribute than seeing kids in Port Angeles and Sequim build confidence through a program inspired by Lane’s values.”

Mary Budke, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula, said the organization is excited to bring Project L.A.N.E. to its Clubs.

“This impactful program aligns perfectly with our mission to enable all young people to reach their full potential by supporting healthy habits, building character, and encouraging active lifestyles,” she stated in the announcement. “Project L.A.N.E. will provide our members with a variety of opportunities to grow stronger — physically, mentally, and socially — and we’re honored to carry forward a legacy that will have a lasting impact on the youth we serve.”

For more information, or to donate to the program, contact the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula on 360-683-8095.

Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula/ Youth Development staffer Aymon Anderson leads a group of elementary school children in a hula hoop challenge as part of the Sequim Boys & Girls Club’s Project L.A.N.E.

Photo courtesy of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Olympic Peninsula/ Brandon Layman, left, and Jaxon Dunn celebrate their achievement in the Project L.A.N.E. “Stack Attack” challenge.