Events
Sports Pop-Ups - LCS Spring Break
Join us for FREE sports pop-up clinics all spring break week! Each day we’ll meet from 11:00 AM-12:30 PM with lunch provided for free. Kids ages 5-15 are welcome, see the schedule below for locations and sports each day.
Monday 4/6 - TBD
Tuesday 4/7 - TBD
Wednesday 4/8 - TBD
Thursday 4/9 - TBD
Friday 4/10 - TBD
2026 City on Seven Hills Basketball Tournament
LAYSi’s Annual Youth Basketball Tournament (March 14–15) is now open for registration!
This event is designed as a community-centered initiative to keep youth sports accessible and affordable in the Greater Lynchburg area. In addition to competitive play, the tournament will include a free college recruiting seminar for families, registration incentives, and on-site concessions.
Team entry is $175, with group rates available. The registration deadline is February 27. Teams can be boys or girls and 5th-8th, JV, or Varsity level.
If you’re interested in entering a team, please feel free to Register below.
2026 Unity Walk & Celebration: Educate. Empower. Unite.
Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative is proud to invite the community to the Fifth Annual Unity Walk & Celebration on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in Downtown Lynchburg.
This year’s Unity Walk will center on Education, highlighting the role of learning, access, and opportunity in building stronger, more equitable communities and honoring the individuals and institutions that have advanced education in our region and beyond.
The block party style celebration and walk will begin and end at the roundabout at 5th and Federal Streets, with the event kicking off at 11:00 a.m.
Event Sponsors
BWXT
Bank of the James
Freedom First Credit Union
Central Virginia Community College
City of Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism
Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation
Altha Grove Baptist Church
Community Access Network
One Community One Voice
Elks Lodge #181
The Yard on 5th Street
The Legacy Museum of African American History
Old City Cemetery
5th Street Baptist Church
Sattva Yoga and Wellness Center
National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Join us for a day of celebrating girls and women in sports! Take part in a free basketball clinic for all kids grades K-7th, free lunch provided.
Includes FREE Admission to University of Lynchburg Basketball Game at 2pm in the Turner gym.
LAYSI Play Day
Join LAYSI for a day jam packed with fun as we host our Annual Summer Play Day at the University of Lynchburg Again this year! We look forward to having you join us on June 21st from 9:00AM - 3:00PM.
You can expect:
Sports stations throughout the morning
Lunch provided at the University cafeteria for all children who attend
Additional activity sessions in the afternoon
FREE giveaway items and prize drawings*
You won’t want to miss out, REGISTER your child today!
*Prize/giveaway winners must register for the event and be present to receive their prizes.
Interested in getting involved as a volunteer? Fill out our Volunteer Registration form and we’ll be in touch!
YMCA Water Safety Day
Water Safety Day – Because every child deserves to be safe around water.
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and one of the top causes for ages 5–14 — together, we can help change that! Join us for Water Safety Day, a FREE event designed to teach children ages 5-12 essential water safety skills in a fun and engaging environment.
Event Details
Date: Friday, April 18, 2025
Locations & Times:
Downtown YMCA | 9 AM – 12 PM
Jamerson Family YMCA | 1 PM – 4 PM
What to Expect
1-hour sessions (30 minutes on land + 30 minutes in water)
Learn from experts – YMCA instructors, medical professionals & emergency responders
Fun, interactive stations to reinforce water safety skills
Snacks provided!
Registration Required.
All participants must register as a community member before registering for the Water Safety Day. Spots are limited for each location, early registration is recommended.
Parents are required to remain with their child throughout the session and assist with any changing needs before and after the in-water portion.
Register here: Water Safety Day Registration
For more information call, Cece Murphey, Downtown YMCA Aquatics Director: 434-771-7634
Spring Break Pop-Up Clinics
Join LAYSI for a series of FREE pop-up sports clinics during the week of LCS spring break!
April 14 - College Hill
April 15 - Yoder Center
April 16 - Daniel’s Hill
April 17 - Fairview
April 18 - Fairview
Each clinic will be held from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM.
Ages 5-15 welcome to participate!
7 Hills Basketball Showcase
Join LAYSi and local partner organizations for our 2nd Annual Seven Hills Basketball Showcase! Girls and boys from around the region are invited to participate in this two day basketball tournament.
Start Date: March 15, 2025 at 8am
End Date: March 16, 2025 at 8pm
Cost:
$185 Early-bird Registration by February 10, 2025
$225 Per-team Registration after February 10th
$150 Multi-team Registration
Girls and Boys: (3 games guaranteed)
Awards to be given to each grade/age division!
UNITY WALK AND CELEBRATION
GIVE AWAYS & RAFFLE PRIZES
⭐️ BICYCLES | GIFT CARDS | LOCAL ATTRACTION PASSES | AND MORE! ⭐️
Explore the rich history of African-American and workforce development in the Lynchburg area by completing our online questionnaire. Use online and local resources to answer the questions and deepen your understanding. Participate now and stand a chance to win fantastic raffle prizes, including $100 gift cards and more.
Must be present to win.
Registration required. Click the link below to enter the raffle.
BLOCK PARTY CELEBRATION
Click for Event Map Click for Vendor Map
FEATURED ENTERTAINMENT
THANK YOU OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS
MEET OUR VENDORS
LYNCHBURG UNITY WALK & CELEBRATION
Get ready to celebrate! The Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative (LAYSi) is thrilled to invite the community to the Annual Unity Walk & Celebration on Saturday, February 22, 2025, in Downtown Lynchburg.
This year's celebration will focus on "African Americans and Labor," honoring the legacy of Black workers who have shaped our nation. Join us for a day of fun, education, and community as we walk together and celebrate our shared history.
The block-party style celebration and walk will begin and end at the roundabout at 5th and Federal Streets, featuring a special stop at Old City Cemetery for a historical reenactment and storytelling session where participants will learn more about Lottie Payne Stratton, also known as Miss Boonie, as portrayed by Lynchburg local and talented actress, Temika Younger.
"Miss Boonie reminds me of my grandmother. My grandma loved children and fostered over 100 children in her home. Like Miss Boonie, children were always welcome at my granny's house. I appreciate the opportunity to bring light to her story again as her precious spirit lives on." Younger shared in a recent interview, "I always enjoy helping to continue the legacy of the many great African Americans who were prominent in this area."
WHAT TO EXPECT
A lively block party: Enjoy live music by DJ MADLAD, refreshments provided by The Yard on 5th Restaurant, and engaging educational activities for all ages.
Family fun for everyone: Games, activities, exciting giveaways, and raffles with over $2000 in prizes!
Local performers: Watch local dance groups showcase their skills.
Inspiring guest speakers: Gain insights into local history and culture.
A chance to connect: Meet and greet with local leaders, neighbors, and fellow community members.
Event festivities will begin and end at the roundabout at 5th and Federal Streets. The walk will kick off at 11 a.m. Activities will continue until 1pm.
Event Highlights:
Free Hot Cocoa & Refreshments: Provided by The Yard on 5th Restaurant
Engaging Educational Activities: Learn about local history
Family Fun: Enjoy games and activities for all ages
A Block Party: Featuring lively music by DJ MADLAD
Talented Performances: Watch local dance groups showcase their skills
Guest Speakers: Gain insights into local history and culture
Meet & Greet: Connect with local leaders
Exciting Giveaways & Raffles: Over $2000 in prizes!*
*participants must be present to win
Featured Entertainment and Special Guests:
Vocal Performance by Harrison Reed
Historical Reenactment by Temika Younger
Dance Performance with Kuumba Dance directed by Sheron White Carter
We're Looking for Vendors!
Interested vendors can CLICK HERE to complete the vendor application and join the celebration.
ONE COMMUNITY ONE VOICE BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT
On Saturday August 10, from 10AM to 2PM One Community One Voice will host “Building Our Community Together Back to School” event at The University of Lynchburg.
Click below for complete details. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tennis Clinic
Join us at the Pierce Street Historic District as we support our neighbors at the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation and Johnson Health Center for an afternoon of tennis, health and history.
Health Check with Johnson Health Center
Treat from Good Humor Ice Cream Truck
Tennis Clinic
Summer Play Day
LAYSi volunteers and partnering organizations invite you to join us for the FOURTH ANNUAL SUMMER PLAY DAY at the University of Lynchburg.
Rising 1st - 8th grades are invited to play sports, make memories , and develop skills in a fun and engaging atmosphere. Kids will participate in basketball, soccer, baseball, receive a FREE healthy lunch at the University of Lynchburg dining hall, free t-shirts a goody bag, and more.
Register early and online to be entered to win a prize package!
Mayor's Midnight Basketball
You have just three chances to participate in the Mayor’s Midnight Basketball series! Men and women ages 16 - 22 can join in the fun for free! June 14th, 22nd and 28th.
Pre-registration is required, and space is limited.
LAYSi Flag Football Jamboree
Who: Boys and girls entering 6th - 8th grade
What: Flag Football Jamboree
When: Saturday, June 1st | 9:00 AM - Noon
Where: City Stadium
Spring Break Week
SPRING BREAK WEEK POP UP CLINICS
11:30am - 1:00pm
April 1st | College Hill
April 2 | Fairview
April 3 | Daniels Hill
April 4 | Yoder Center
April 5 | Diamond Hill
Sports Pop Up
Monday, March 18th
11:30am - 1pm
FREE Basketball Skills & Drills
WHERE: Diamond Hill Neighborhood Center
Lunch will be provided at non cost!
2024 Unity Walk & Celebration
Join us for the Annual Unity Walk & Celebration presented by LAYSI honoring MLK Jr. and Local Community Leaders.
Event Sponsors
Thank you to our sponsors Bank of the James, the City of Lynchburg, Freedom First Credit Union, and the Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation, BWXT, and Altha Grove Baptist Church.
What to Expect
Lynchburg Area Youth Sports Initiative and Community Partners invite the Central Virginia Community to celebrate Unity in Our Community on February 17th in Downtown Lynchburg.
The event will begin and end at 5th and Federal St. Festivities will begin at 10:45am with registration and guest speakers, followed by activity stations, door prizes and giveaways, free refreshments, and a meet and greet with local leaders.
The event is free and open to the community.
Thank you to our sponsors Bank of the James, Freedom First Credit Union, Lynchburg City Schools Education Foundation, and the City of Lynchburg.
Participant registration is not required, booth registration is available below.
We look forward to seeing you there!
BECOME A BOOTH SPONSOR!
Benefits of being a booth sponsor:
Showcase your business or nonprofit to hundreds of Central Virginia locals
Share your support for all members of our beautiful and diverse communities
Connect and meet with other community minded organizations
Honor past and present community leaders dedicated to unity, inclusion, and a welcoming place for all.
In the News!
Check out Nat Marshall’s 2022 interview below to learn more about the Unity Walk!
Winter Play Day
What to Expect:
Winter Day of Play is coming! Join us at the Downtown YMCA on February 10th for FREE fun, food, and activities.
Basketball
Zumba Dance Party
Tennis
Take-home dinner will be provided at no cost
Give-aways and raffles
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
In person registration begins at noon, however pre-registration is recommended.
A parent or guardian must be present at drop-off to sign children in.
Please ensure children are wearing closed toe shoes appropriate for play.
Identification is required for pickup. Online registration is strongly recommended.
Volunteers are needed! Please consider volunteering as a mentor or guide for the 2024 Winter Play Day. Volunteers must fill out a volunteer application form here. After you have completed your form a LAYSi member will contact you via email.
GIVE GOOD Day of Serving
Meet us at the Pierce Street Community Garden for a day of GIVING GOOD! Serve with us to help winterize the community garden, do litter cleanup in the Historic Pierce Street district, play tennis at the historic courts of the Whirlwind Johnson Foundation, and more! Lunch will be provided.
Pop-up Sports Clinic
Join us for our upcoming pop-up sports clinic at Fairview Heights Rec Center! This will be a fun-filled free sports event from 11AM-12:30PM.
Summer Play Day 2023
Join us for our 3rd Annual FREE Summer Play Day at the University of Lynchburg.
Sports, games, snow cones, giveaways, and more! Open to kids 5 - 14yrs old.
Sports Stations include Basketball, Soccer, Flag Football, Lacrosse, and Beach Volleyball.
Girls on the Run Celebration 5k
Join Girls on the Run for their non-competitive 5K event celebrating the end of their Spring Season! Race begins at 9:30 AM, but come early to jump in on all the pre-race activity fun!
United Way 5K on the Runway
The course is flat and fast as you run on the taxiway parallel to the main runway. Come out, join the fun, support United Way of Central Virginia, and see Lynchburg Regional Airport in a whole new way! There is a 500-person limit to this event and 60 minute time limit.
YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY
To celebrate the national YMCA Healthy Kids Day initiative, the Y welcomes all families to come and walk/run in our Powder Color Run - a free community event!
Outdoor event to include shaved ice truck, tables with information for Y kid’s programs, music and giveaways.
Registration is not required. This event is open to members and non-members. See you there!
IRON Lives 5K
Join IRON Lives for their 5K Run! More information to be announced, check out their website to learn more.
Pop-Up Clinic
Join us for a Pop-Up Sports Clinic! This Clinic will focus on Football, Soccer, and Basketball. Free lunch will be provided.
Pop-Up Clinic
Join us for a Pop-Up Sports Clinic! This Clinic will focus on Basketball, Lacrosse, and one more TBD. Free lunch will be provided.
Pop-Up Clinic
Join us for a Pop-Up Sports Clinic! This clinic will focus on Basketball, Football, and Softball. Free lunch will be provided.
Pop-Up Clinic
Join us for a Pop-up sports clinic! We will be focusing on Lacrosse, Basketball, and Soccer for this clinic. Free lunch will be provided.
2023 MLK Jr Unity Walk
For volunteer, sponsor, or booth information please email nat.marshall@hotmail.com .
GET INVOLVED BY FILLING OUT THE FORM BELOW!
EVENT PARKING MAP
Event Parking Map
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