SHREVEPORT, La. — Community members gathered Saturday at Bill Cockrell Park for the second annual Sneakers on the Ground Walk/Run, an event designed to encourage healthy lifestyles and bring residents together through fitness and wellness activities.
 
The event, organized by the Shreveport Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and Rho Omega & Friends Inc., featured a walk/run through the Western Hills neighborhood, a children's fun run, wellness demonstrations, community resource booths and family-friendly entertainment.
 
Local officials partnered with organizers to support the event, including City Marshal James Jefferson, District Attorney James E. Stewart Sr. and Sheriff Henry Whitehorn.
 
Organizers said the event was created to make physical activity enjoyable while raising awareness about the importance of health and wellness.
 
"We wanted to make sure that people wanted to get up on a Saturday morning and do something fun," organizer Candice Washington said.  We want to make sure that it's intergenerational and everyone is spreading the news and the word about being more healthy."
 
Participants of all ages took part in the event, which included live DJs stationed along the course and awards for top finishers in multiple age divisions.
 
Participant Kala Smith said events like Sneakers on the Ground help encourage people to stay active.
 
"I am a firm believer in moving your body," Smith said. "I am so happy to be able to do that. So the biggest thing is to continue to encourage others to get up and move."
 
Organizers said they hope to continue expanding the event and its impact on health and wellness in the Shreveport community for years to come.