HealthJox Festival has long been recognized as a hub for youth, young adults, and the young at heart, about living a healthier lifestyle. The 2024 edition continues this tradition with a packed schedule of activities and events aimed at promoting physical well-being.  As the summer heat rises, so does the anticipation for the HealthJox Festival 2024, as its premier events for health, fitness, and wellness enthusiasts also includes a fun day for younger attendees. This year’s festival promises an unparalleled experience designed to motivate, educate, and rejuvenate attendees from all walks of life.  This being the 7th annual HealthJox Festival, Dewry DuRoi (Founder of HealthJox LLC and Executive Director of HealthJox Foundation, Inc.) and his co-collaborators decided to switch things up this year.  Through new strategic partnerships, there will be a strong presence of ladies doing it for the Culture of our NYC Youth.  From the music production with DJ 9AM; the lady coaches and referees; to the performers and honorees, HealthJox Festival 2024 is a must attend event for everyone.

EVENT DETAILS:

Brooklyn Bridge Park has graciously opened up their venue to host the event yet again.  Due to popular demand, the festival producers had to change the start-time earlier in order to accommodate not only the number of athletes playing in the tournament, but the packed schedule.  The tournament this year is called, The “Favorite Ladies” Tournament, titled after the popular self-titled song by Hip-Hop Artist, Diany Dior.  THIS SINGLE IS TRENDING IN A BIG WAY!  Kick-off time begins at 10:00 am with preliminary basketball games of pre-formed basketball teams representing each of the 5-boroughs of NYC.  The festival ultimately ends with the championship games beginning from 4.00 pm – 5:00 pm.  There is a lot of buzz going on in the Community as this festival will host 16-girls and women’s teams who will battle it out for the Ladies’ cup!  All activities will be held at Brooklyn Bridge Park, 150 Furman St. (between Pineapple St. and Clark St) Brooklyn, NY 11201 @ Pier 2 where the Basketball Courts are located.

Diany Dior – The “Favorite Ladies” Tournament.

CONFIRMED VIPS:

As Youth and attendees get active with the HealthJox Coaches and Instructors, there will be a pause for the half-time show beginning at 2:00pm.  56th Assembly District Leader – Kenesha Traynham-Cooper, BK-Network, HealthJox Foundation Executives & affiliates will hand out awards and certificates to Community Leaders.  This is where on-lookers will see some of their favorite Artists perform as well as conduct walk-thru’s complete with photo-opps at the step-n-repeat, by the HealthJox ring-cam affiliate “KBee Events – 360 Experience”. 

The Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation will be attending on behalf of Mayor Eric Adams.  Playing the best music throughout the event is: DJ9AM.  During half-time, Artists gracing the HealthJox courts of Brooklyn Bridge Park will be:  JaredSB; Diany Dior; JaceJay; Cleotrapa; Chuckiee; BillBoardBaby; Kash Juliano; Silva Reign; KoKo Fly.

***Click to see the promo video:  https://youtu.be/rU0u_JXZ2PE?si=bSUBVnQViFMKaihI

This is the full roster of the HealthJox Festival Artists.

ACTIVITIES:

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, the festival’s array of fitness challenges is sure to inspire. Participants can engage in everything from high-energy group workouts led by renowned fitness trainers to individual endurance events that test strength and stamina.  As the morning progresses, Nike Celebrity Master Trainer – Jerry Jospeh will give work-out instruction for attendees to stretch and get fit.  No stranger to getting folks active, Jerry boasts current and recent notable clients such as the cast of 50 Cent’s television series “Power,” Ne-Yo, Wyclef, Lala Anthony, Jaden Smith, Naturi Lewis, Anita Brazilian Star, Kiana Madeira, and Young M.A.  Notably, he is also a stunt man in Hollywood.

After Jerry Joseph wraps up, ZUMBA trainer, LisaG begins her class for the daring souls of summer!  With high energy songs and super cool moves, this work-out is sure to give you that morning pep-in-your-step that you need!  She brings non-stop action that will get your blood flowing and your heart rate up to speed with music that could amp-up anyone into getting fit.

As the ZUMBA class is getting underway, “NY Liberty” will be signing-up Youth to begin their co-ed basketball clinic.  As they give out NY Liberty branded tees, Youth will be shown impactful skills to improve their game on the court.  They will also have other cool giveaways and games for all in attendance.  Overall, the basketball games will be organized by BK-Network.  As all of the games during the summer culminated to the HealthJox Festival – championship rounds, Zak Solomon-Miller mans the fort as the basketball-organizer czar.  Youth from every single borough will be represented as well as the best ladies’ teams in NYC.  “Ladies Who Hoop” as a supporting partner will contribute to running the female basketball tournaments, while “BK-Network” runs the male tournaments.  Simultaneously, the AirOdart Coaches will begin their clinic which is a combination of AirOdart and Pickle Ball where they will improve the hand, eye and brain coordination on the court.  This will be overseen by Coach Ted Gustus and conducted by Asani Kai KudoVault and Jackson Bartley.  

HealthJox Festival is a family-friendly event, ensuring there is something for everyone. With a range of activities designed for all ages, the festival encourages families to embark on their wellness journeys together.  HealthJox Festival is happy to present our HealthJox Kiddie Village for Youth under the age of 12.  This year, HealthJox forged a strategic collaboration with The Girl Scouts of Greater New York who will also be making their debut appearance as they will be catering to the kiddies with fun filled games and activities. Oh!!!  and the Clowns will also be onsite with more games, face painting, balloon twisting and other cool attractions.  Youth will enjoy popcorn, snow-cones, unlimited water, food, snacks and energy drinks for the athletes.  The best part about it all, is that every attendee and every participant, will enjoy this day of healthy activities FREE of charge!  Thanks to Mayor Eric Adams’ Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) by way of Commissioner Keith Howard, the HealthJox Festival is fully funded along with donations from Brooklyn Health Equity Foundation and NY Liberty.  

Ladies Who Hoop, NY Liberty, ZUMBA with LisaG and The Girl Scouts of Greater NY.

EXHIBITOR PAVILION:

The HealthJox Exhibitor Pavilion will showcase the latest in health and wellness products, services, and innovations.  With vendors such as Health and Wellness Services, CDSC and American Cancer Society, this is an excellent opportunity for attendees to discover new tools and resources to enhance their wellness routines.  Parents will also be able to sign their Youth up to schools like Summit Academy and Middle School – Philippa Schuyler, (this is where HealthJox LLC and DYCD will conduct their Saturday health 7 sports program), for continued education.  Attendees will also be able to sign-up to see if they are eligible to get a free tablet and phone through Top Marketing Group who have been servicing the community for many years.

One of the most compelling aspects of HealthJox Festival is the sense of community it fosters. The festival brings together like-minded individuals, creating an environment where attendees can share experiences, exchange tips, and motivate one another. This sense of camaraderie is a testament to the festival’s mission of promoting a healthier, happier society.  This is the vision of founder Dewry DuRoi Bradford.  This is his for New York City’s Youth support called simply, “The Village”.  And in attendance, there will be some of the most impactful Community Leaders and Influencers who will be honored with “The Village” plaque by Healthjox Foundation, Inc.  The honorees are Michelle “Queen of Harlem” Smalls; Tonya Lewis Taylor; Shneaqua “Coco” Purvis; Cleo “Cleotrapa” West; Diani Dior.  There will also be a special guest who will be honored as well.  However, you have to show up to see who that is.  Mayor Adams will also honor HealthJox Festival with a special award commemorating their deep work in the Community of Brooklyn.

HealthJox Foundation honors these influential ladies in the Community.

SPONSORS:

On behalf of HealthJox LLC, HealthJox Foundation, Inc. and the Youth of NYC, I would like to thank our monetary sponsors: Mayor Eric Adams; Department of Youth & Community Development; Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation; Brooklyn Equity Foundation; WNBA’s New York Liberty.

STATEGIC PARTNERS & SERVICE PROVIDERS:

We would also like to thank the following for making HealthJox Festival a great experience for NYC Youth and Families: BK-Network; AirOdart; The Girl Scouts of Greater New York; LisaG; Jerry Joseph; Ballin 4 Peace; Ladies Who Hoop; Both Sides of the Violence; Child Development Support Corporation; Working Families Party; Health and Wellness Services; American Cancer Society; Summit Academy; Philippa Schuyler – Middle School; Top Marketing Group; Community Capacity Development; American Cancer Society; A Unique Life; Elite Queens Davis Athletic Development; Solidarity Movers; KBee Events – 360 Experience; Kings Build Kings.  

All attendees will have limitless water and beverages to drink, thanks to Cirkul; Liberty Coca Cola Beverages; Body Armour; Monster Energy; and good ol’ fashion water fountains.

PRECAUTIONS: 

*** Special shout-out to Nashawn Nathaniel Nelson, aka “Illionaire Bellz” of FDNY Paramedic for pre-packed 1st-aid kits and Mount Sinai’s Nathifa King on deck to keep out Youth serviced.

PROGRAM SIGN-UP:

During the HealthJox Festival, NYC Youth from ages 12 – 17 will be able to sign up for the new HealthJox – health & sports program that launched in July 2024.  Please read our next article for details.  Join us at the HealthJox Festival 2024 and take a step towards a healthier, happier you! For more information, visit www.HealthJox.com

***To RSVP for HealthJox Festival:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/healthjox-festival-2024-tickets-747499861207?aff=oddtdtcreator

***To RSVP for HealthJox – health & sports program (Youth 12-17): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSceQukkdWrjrvUBQx-WpqsxO3FG1E0PPuiuuO_ffNURRHmCFg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Nathifa King – Writer        Kayla Swindell -Editor