SHREVEPORT, La. — A Mother’s Day tradition is coming to downtown Shreveport, combining fitness, family fun and community support in one special event.
Former Calvary and Oklahoma football standout Chanse Sylvie joined KTBS Wednesday to talk about the upcoming Mother’s Day 5K set for May 10 at Festival Plaza.
Sylvie said the event is designed to be more than just a race.
“This is really about bringing families together, celebrating mothers and creating something positive for the community,” he said.
Organizers say participants can expect an energetic atmosphere the morning of the race, complete with music, community engagement and multiple ways for people of all ages to get involved.
The event includes a timed competitive 5K, a half-mile kids race and a half-mile stroller race, allowing runners, walkers and families to participate together.
Sylvie said making the event inclusive was one of the top priorities.
“We wanted everyone to feel like they had a place in this event,” he said. “Whether you’re a serious runner, a parent with young children or someone who just wants to come out and support a good cause, there’s something here for you.”
The mission behind the event is also deeply personal for Sylvie and his family, who have long supported lupus awareness efforts after losing a family member to the disease.
“That’s something that has impacted our family in a real way,” Sylvie said. “We wanted to turn that pain into purpose and help others through this event.”
Proceeds from the Mother’s Day 5K will benefit several causes, including the Lupus Foundation, Booker T. Washington High School and a women’s entrepreneur grant program.
Sylvie said those organizations were selected because they reflect the event’s core values of health, education and empowerment.
“We wanted to support causes that create real opportunities and make a lasting difference,” he said.
The Mother’s Day 5K begins at 8 a.m. at Festival Plaza in downtown Shreveport.
Organizers encourage participants to register in advance online.
