Celebrating Juneteenth: The Fifth Annual PHrozen Jewel Run hosted at Valencia College West Campus

Celebrating Juneteenth: The Fifth Annual PHrozen Jewel Run hosted at Valencia College West Campus

Article By: Bro. Samendio Mathieu, Esq., Spring 2023 Initiate

The Delta Xi Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity recently celebrated Juneteenth in style by hosting the fifth annual PHrozen Jewel Run This exciting 5K event took place at Valencia College West Campus in Orlando on June 17th at 7:06 AM, bringing together the community for a day of fitness, camaraderie, and support for a good cause The program aimed to benefit the Young Men of Distinction (YMOD) mentoring program, making it more than just a race but a chance to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals.

The PHrozen Jewel Run has become a much-anticipated tradition, and this year's event did not disappoint Participants from all walks of life came together, lacing up their running shoes to join in on the action. The event's primary goal was to raise awareness and funds for the YMOD program, which strives to empower young men through mentorship, education, and positive role models

The support from the community and local sponsors was overwhelming. Renowned names such as Orlando City Soccer, the Orlando Magic, and Publix lent their support to the cause, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a strong and connected community.

Their contributions helped make the event even more memorable for both the runners and the YMOD program beneficiaries. As participants crossed the finish line, they were rewarded for their efforts with a sense of accomplishment and a tangible memento of the day. Every participant received a specially designed t-shirt, a medal, and a registration bag to commemorate their involvement in the event. Moreover, the top male and female runners were honored with custom faux gold, silver, and bronze medals, a testament to their exceptional performance and dedication.

In addition to the physical race, the organizers made the event accessible to a broader audience through a virtual warmup session Certified indoor cycle instructors, physical trainers, and an army veteran presented an engaging pre-race warm-up to motivate and prepare participants, whether they were physically present or joining remotely This virtual aspect added a new dimension to the event, enabling even more people to participate and celebrate the spirit of Juneteenth

The PHrozen Jewel Run not only fostered a sense of community and promoted health and fitness but also highlighted the importance of supporting the younger generation

By contributing to the YMOD mentoring program, the participants, sponsors, and organizers came together to invest in a brighter future for the young men involved As the sun rose on the morning of June 17th, the Orlando community united to make the fifth annual PHrozen Jewel Run a tremendous success It was a day filled with joy, celebration, and the knowledge that each participant had made a difference in the lives of young individuals through their participation and support

The Orlando Alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and its partners proved that when a community comes together for a noble cause, great things can be achieved The PHrozen Jewel Run will undoubtedly continue to shine as a beacon of hope and inspiration, encouraging more people to celebrate Juneteenth with purpose, passion, and a commitment to building a stronger and more compassionate society.