World Class Sprinter Michael Walton is just as dedicated to supporting and mentoring youths as he is to running and breaking records on the track.

That’s why he’s bringing his annual Michael Walton Foundation to the District of Columbia the weekend of May 20-21.

Walton said the event is a “celebration of young people, and the individuals who support them,” which he refers to as “the team behind the teen.”   

“I designed this event as a way to teach, empower and reward area high school students for all of their hard work,” said Walton.  “Additionally, it’s important to honor and show respect to all of the adults who support these students day in and day out.  It takes a village to guide our young people, and this weekend is a way for me to give back and support my community.”

The event starts at the Washington Monument on the National Mall on Friday May 20 at 12:30 p.m. There, youths will be separated into teams for Field Day, where they’ll take on different physically and mentally challenging activities including a tug-of-war competition, the 50-yard dash race; a balloon toss, a three-legged race, challenge relay, and more. Each team will be adopted and coached by a professional athlete or popular media personality, such as New England Patriots cornerback Leigh Bodden and many more of Walton’s friends and associates. One of the teams will be crowned with the title of 2011 Field Day D.C. Champions at the conclusion of Field Day.  

Later Friday night, Walton’s foundation will team up with Great Schools D.C. at 7 p.m. to host a Parents’ Night Out at Richard England Club House No. 14, which is located at 4103 Benning Road N.E. Walton says Parents’ Night Out is designed to bring out the “inner child” in parents by participating in musical performances, giveaways and other interactive activities.

Walton’s event will pick back up on Saturday May 21 at 10 a.m. when middle and high school students will be invited out to engage in the Teen Leadership Conference at the Jelleff Recreation Center at 3265 S St. N.W. 

According to Walton, the conference is to encourage and empower teens to “take charge of their future while setting the tone as trendsetters for their generation.”

The Teen Leadership Conference will showcase political officials, celebrity guests and other public figures, along with volunteers from the community. 

For additional information and to register for events, please visit www.michaelwaltonfoundation.org.