For Immediate Release
Media Contact:Lauren Kamm
Vice President of Marketing & Communications
(303) 892-9200 x 106 | LaurenK@bgcmd.org
May 17, 2023
Community Gathers for Free 5K, Resources, and Programming
Denver, CO (May 17, 2023) - Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver is thrilled to announce the third annual March for Peace, set to take place on May 20, 2023, in Denver's Montbello neighborhood. The March for Peace is a movement started by high school students Naja’Ray W. (2023 State Youth of the Year) and Nashara E., both members of Denver Broncos Boys & Girls Club.
The March for Peace presents an incredible opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together. While the event was created as a result of the growing violence in the Montbello neighborhood during 2020, it is an incredibly joyful event. The March for Peace is a testament to the strength of the community and the optimism of the Club members at the helm. Through this event, participants can foster relationships with others who share a common goal of promoting peace and understanding.
Naja’Ray says of her time working on the March for Peace, “We started the March for Peace during a time when the world didn’t know what was going to happen. We wanted to show a different outlet of positivity in such a rough neighborhood.”
In addition to the 5K run/walk, the March for Peace will offer a variety of activities to engage attendees and promote well-being. The event will feature a free breakfast, ensuring that all participants start their day off right. Additionally, WhiteFlag will lead self-care sessions to help participants and local families focus on their mental health and well-being.
The fitness carnival is another exciting addition to this year's event. This interactive and fun-filled activity will offer attendees the chance to engage in a variety of fitness activities, ensuring that all participants are incentivized to warm up and warm down for a safe and fun race. There will even be a sneakerhead workshop led by Club member Eunique, who has painted sneakers for Denver Broncos players and US government officials, like Condoleezza Rice, alike!
The March for Peace is much more than just a 5K run/walk. It's a chance for participants from all walks of life to come together and connect in a positive and meaningful way. By joining in the various activities offered at the event, attendees can promote physical and mental wellness while also building lasting relationships and fostering a sense of community.
"We are incredibly proud of Naja’Ray and Nashara and the work they have done to bring the Montbello community together through the March for Peace," said Erin Porteous, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver. "Their dedication and leadership inspire us all to work towards a more peaceful and just world. We are thrilled to support them in continuing this event."
The March for Peace is an event that welcomes all members of our Denver community to come together in the spirit of building a better future. Mark your calendars for May 20, 2023, and join in this important opportunity to build peace and understanding. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at the Broncos Boys & Girls Club (4397 Crown Blvd., Denver, CO 80239). Opening remarks will be made by Naja’Ray and Nashara, as well as Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. The event will close at 1 p.m.
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Denver changes lives. From the first day of kindergarten through high school graduation, we help kids succeed in school, develop good character and citizenship, and live healthy lives. At more than 20 neighborhood Clubs and our summer camp in Ward, CO, we provide our members with safe, supportive, fun, and enriching environments that inspire and empower them to achieve their greatest potential. Every day, we use our dedication, talent, and resources to open doors for kids and with kids. We help Club members not only envision their greatest potential but to turn those dreams into real possibilities.