This relay builds Connectedness because every child’s success depends on the team—and the team is trained to act like a supportive community.

• Belonging & engagement: Each student has a place in the team and a role beyond running (encourager, strategist, connector).
• Mutual respect & valuing others: Students practice appreciation and inclusion in fast, simple ways (supportive phrases, noticing effort, sharing turns fairly).
• Dynamic, reciprocal relationship: Children experience giving support and receiving support immediately—before and after each leg.
• Responsibility: Teams learn to keep each other safe, follow rules, and help a teammate who struggles without shame.