Gainesville Grizzlies, a football team that gives back

The Gainesville Grizzlies aren't just about football.

They're also about giving back, said spokesperson Laura Hunt Landrum.

With that in mind, the Grizzlies, a youth football and cheerleading program for kids ages 5 to 15, is gearing up for their annual Grizzly Give Back 5K run/walk to raise money to build additional football fields in the area and to donate to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation.

Last year's 5K was held at Battlefield High School and raised $24,000 and donated $14,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, enough to sponsor wishes for two local children, Landrum said.

Make-A-Wish Foundation officials said the Gainesville Grizzlies' donations helped fund 12-year-old McKinley's wish to go deep sea fishing in Hawaii and 12-year-old Drew's wish to go to a Chicago White Sox game and meet his favorite player, Jim Thome.

Organizers of the Gainesville Grizzly 5K expect this year's event to be bigger with more than 500 runners participating, Landrum said.

The all-day event at the Virginia Gateway Shopping Center will also include a parade and a street fair including carnival rides and games, live bands and other entertainment.

Organizers expect more than 3,000 people to attend the Grizzly Day event, Landrum said.

The Grizzly Day Festival will be held on Atlas Walk at the Virginia Gateway Shopping center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 29.

The 5K run/walk begins at 8:30 a.m and the parade begins at 1 p.m.

Registration for the race is $25 per person and awards will be given to the top three finishers overall and the top three finishers in each age group. Awards will be given to the Top 3 Overall and Top 3 Per Age Group. To register for the race or for more information go to http://www.grizzlyfootball.org. Participants who register after Saturday are not guaranteed a t-shirt.

Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-878-8014.