While the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has required change, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is moving forward with their fourth annual Walk and Play L.A. event, doing so virtually, and with Justin and Kourtney Turner returning as honorary hosts.
Justin and Kourtney held the same role last year, when Walk and Play L.A. was held at the L.A. Memorial Coliseum. Although the family-friendly event is being modified in the face of health concerns and challenges, CHLA has designed a program that requires limited indoor and outdoor space, and the focus remains on providing the same experience.
“We’re doing the introductions for the beginning of the program, which is what we did last year. It’s kind of the same thing (this year). It should be a cool thing. We’re just trying to raise awareness,” Justin told DodgerBlue.com
“Obviously, it’s not getting as much attention, because you think of a Walk and Play as you’re going to meet up somewhere and do an actual event. This year it’s going to be virtual, so you log in on your computer or laptop, or iPad.
“It’s cool what they’re doing. They’re giving access to workout classes. The idea is to try and get it out there and promote it so people are aware and can be part of it.”
The Turners have developed a close relationship with CHLA over recent years, and last December hosted their first ever Justin Turner Foundation Winter Wonderland event at the local hospital. Along with providing meals to The Dream Center in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the couple recently arranged for lunch and dinner to be delivered to CHLA for multiple reasons.
“We’re going to keep doing that,” Kourtney said. “It’s tough because all of the focus has shifted to COVID-19 relief efforts, so with this event and CHLA in general, it’s important to remember there’s still other battles that need to be fought.
“They still need our support. I think with this event, to help raise funds and awareness, and what we can do to bring to that, it’s important to remember other health challenges and causes.”
Justin added: “I think part of the issue is the headlines are, COVID-19 isn’t really affecting kids. They’re kind of immune to it, I guess. So I think kids are kind of getting overlooked as though, ‘Oh, we don’t have to worry about them right now.’
“I think people forget there are still kids who are being diagnosed with leukemia, different forms of cancer and all this stuff on a daily basis. You can’t just dismiss them.”
Beginning Monday afternoon, CHLA will stream clinics and workouts on their Facebook page. All but one is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT, and each of the videos will be saved for access at any time. Barry’s Bootcamp, Fitness Blast, L.A. Galaxy Foundation, L.A. Kings and L.A. Chargers are among the organizations providing instruction.
Registration for Walk and Play L.A. 2020 is open to individuals and teams comprised of friends, families and organizations at www.walkandplayla.org. The event begins Saturday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m.
More than $280,000 has been raised to support CHLA’s efforts and its mission to create hope and build healthier futures. This year, participants can also choose to donate to CHLA’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund.
Walk and Play L.A. 2020 weekly schedule
Monday, May 11, 3 p.m.: ENERGETIC Fitness Blast!
Tuesday, May 12, 3 p.m.: Barry’s Boot Camp
Wednesday, May 13, 3 p.m.: L.A. Galaxy Foundation
Thursday, May 14, 3 p.m.: L.A. Kings
Friday, May 15, 3 p.m.: L.A. Chargers
Friday, May 15, 7 p.m. Headspace
Saturday, May 16, 8:30 a.m.: Walk and Play L.A. 2020
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