LOGAN, Utah (AP) — Running and reading go hand-in-hand in a northern Utah nonprofit aimed at helping refugees learn English while developing a love for athletics.

The Herald Journal reports that Mike and Kristi Spence of Logan say they created the group because they wanted to create a safe space for the children to make friends and learn English.

They launched Athletics United three years ago along with friend Glynn Hadley as a running club and have since added two nights per week of tutoring.

Group member Yanet Sandi, an eighth grader, says the group leaders support them in a comfortable setting.

Vidalia Cornwall of the No Lost Generation refugee support group says the running component allows the Spences to get to know the children better than if they just tutored them.