May 13, 2006 – Mothers, fathers, friends, relatives or anyone with a loved one who has been a victim of criminal violence are invited to share memories Sunday, May 21 at the third annual Walk/Run Against Violence.
Celia Carroll, director of Mothers Against Guns and the Jason Carroll Memorial Fund, announced this week that the event will start at the Coast Guard dock at 4 p.m. Registration begins at 2:30 p.m.
The two-mile race goes down the waterfront through Frenchtown, then to Addelita Cancryn Junior High School and back to the dock.
Six years ago, University of the Virgin Islands freshman Jason Carroll died in the middle of the afternoon on a downtown street, the victim of gun violence.
Months after Jason was killed, Celia Carroll started the V.I. chapter of Mothers Against Guns. Last year Gov. Charles W. Turnbull proclaimed Sunday, May 23, as Victims of Violent Crimes and Jason Carroll Memorial Day.
Celia Carroll said Saturday that she was honored by the governor's proclamation. She said, "Mothers Against Guns is committed to reducing crime in our community by raising public awareness regarding the impact guns have on our lives."
Following the race, a ceremony will be held in Emancipation Garden, where trophies will be awarded to the race winners, and memories of those lost to criminal violence will be shared.
Proceeds from the race will go toward the Jason Carroll Memorial Fund, which provides college scholarships at UVI.
Pre-registration is $8 for adults and $3 for children under 17. Registration on race day is $10 for adults, and $5 for children under 17.
Entrants can register at: The Caribbean Surf Co., Havensight and waterfront stores; Elizabeth Jane's at American Yacht Harbor in Red Hook; the Jackson Center at Antilles School; and American Paradise Gym at the Nisky Center.
There will be prizes for overall winners, oldest and youngest runners and first-, second- and third-place finishers in each age division.
About 200 people turned out for last year's celebration — runners, walkers, their counterparts, and some who simply came for the ceremony to show support. Carroll said she anticipates to top that number this year.
The event is sponsored by the law offices of Joel Holt, St. Thomas Radiology Association, Elizabeth Jane's, The Silver Source, Essentric Shoe Boutique and Marjorie Rawls Roberts.
Carroll said further activities will be announced for May 23, Jason Carroll Day, but the race will be May 21 because it is a Sunday.
For further information, call Celia Carroll at 775-9337.
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