Michael ’ s Mile Color Powder Run Offers Full Spectrum of Fun
By Jayson Woods, Programs & Facilities Supervisor Orange County Parks & Recreation
It ’ s time to get out those running shoes and shake the dust off to make room for color powder! Parks & Recreation, the Office on Youth, and the Orange Healthy Community Action Team are pleased to announce the return of the Michael ’ s Mile Fun Run. This event will take place at Booster Park, and is scheduled for Saturday, June 5, 2021 beginning at 9:30 a.m. (check - in at 9:15 a.m.). Registration is available for all ages with a fee of $10 per person, which includes a
white Michael ’ s Mile t - shirt (if registered no later than May 21). This t - shirt is the perfect canvas for the main attraction of this run, COLOR POWDER. That ’ s right, throughout the fun run participants will be immersed in a kaleidoscope of color thanks to volunteers stationed along the route. The run will not be timed and is intended to promote healthy and fun family activity. Interested participants may register online at www.orangecountyva.gov/ funrun. A separate payment options email will follow from staff after receipt of the registration, which will detail how to submit the $10/person fee. The Michael ’ s Mile Fun Run is named in honor of Michael Ridgeway, a young boy who tragically died at age six. He was a "smiler" and a giver who would often show up to his kindergarten class with homemade presents for everyone. Michael's family and friends thought the best way to keep his memory alive would be to create a program that would reflect his caring attitude toward others; and thus, the Michael ’ s Gift Youth Activities Scholarship was born. This program helps families offset the cost of enrolling their children in enrichment activities such as youth sports, art classes, music lessons, and more. Funds raised from Michael ’ s Mile registration fees are allocated to support this scholarship opportunity. More information about Michael ’ s Gift may be found at www.orangecountyva.gov/285/Michaels - Gift. The Michael ’ s Mile Fun Run has been around in one form or another since 2014, with some missed years and several restructures. The color powder element began in 2017 thanks to a suggestion from the LGMS Leo Club. This year, the Orange Healthy Community Action Team is onboard to provide additional support and make the event brighter and more colorful than ever. Don ’ t delay, sign up today!
Page 16 | May 2021
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