900 Join in Fitness Walk to Honor Fallen Firefighter

Two Scholarships Announced as Part of Fundraiser

Yellow shirts lined Spriggs Road during the second annual Kyle Wilson 10k Walk/Run for Fitness in Woodbridge on Saturday as about 900 people, including friends and family of Wilson's, attended. The event kicked off at C.D. Hylton Senior High School.

Wilson, who attended Hylton, died April 16, 2007, while fighting a house fire in Prince William County. He was 24 years old. "I felt it was significant to attend the walk to support the Wilson family but also participate in something that was so important to Kyle," said Jenna Williams, 24, who attended Hylton with Wilson. "I remember Kyle always encouraged his family and friends to be more active. He would be so proud to know almost 900 people in the county participated in a fitness event held in honor of him."

The sale of commemorative T-shirts and hats combined with a raffle and donations to raise more than $16,000 for the Kyle Wilson Memorial Fund.

"The purpose of this fund is to start an endowment in Kyle's name at George Mason University in the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism that will award a scholarship to a sophomore or junior enrolled in good standing in the athletic training program," said Bob Wilson, 55, Kyle's father. The fund supports the program that awarded Kyle Wilson his degree.

"Since this is the first year in which scholarship money was awarded, we decided to honor two outstanding students," Bob Wilson said. Samantha Mills and Sean M. Venckus were each awarded $500.

Although some opted to run the 6.2 miles, the majority of the attendees strolled up Spriggs Road, made a U-turn at Token Valley Road, passed the starting point, walked to Minnieville Road, made another U-turn and ended up back on the Hylton track.

During his opening remarks, Bob Wilson noted the significance of this year's route. "I am hoping . . . that we can use this route every year. Kyle did attend Hylton High School, he did attend Saunders Middle School, which you'll pass. So this is very, very appropriate," he said.

Although the day was a tribute to Kyle Wilson, Chris Fields, 26, explained what others could take from it. "Well, for me it is important because Kyle was one of my best friends. Anything he has his name on . . . I would support. But for everyone else it is a great cause. The obesity rate is high, and this promotes fitness. You don't have to run fast. You can run slow or walk. It is all about getting outside, being active and being healthy."

For information about Kyle Wilson and the memorial fund, visit http://www.kylewilsonmemorial.com.