All-day event features live workouts, youth sports tournaments, health screenings, local vendors, Donamatrix Workout led by Brooks, more
PETERSBURG — Celebrity fitness trainer and Petersburg native Don “DB Donamatrix” Brooks returns home to host the annual Donamatrix Day Fit Fest, a free family-friendly fitness festival on Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Petersburg High School.
The all-day event features live workouts, youth sports tournaments, health screenings, local vendors and a Donamatrix Workout led by Brooks. Known for his slogan, “Mind Right. Body Ready,” Donamatrix Day promotes both physical and mental wellness.
Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, Molina Healthcare and Links Incorporated, the Petersburg chapter, will offer health education and screenings. Food and drinks will be provided by Cool BeanZ Cafe, and 106.5 The Beat’s Kool DJ Foot will keep the energy high with live music.
The Donamatrix Day Fit Fest weekend kicks off with The Senior Matrix Experience, a special session for older adults, on Thursday, April 3. Author Cutina Walker, a Petersburg native, will make a special appearance with her new book “Grandma’s Secret Sauce.”
This year, the The Benefit Gala was canceled. Instead of hosting that event, DB Donamatrix and his daughter Tuesdae Donyale will introduce DB for 3 Charity Basketball Shootout, a new fundraising event, on Thursday, April 3. All of the proceeds benefit the City of Petersburg Recreation, Special Events and Volunteerism Department. Visit donamatrixday.com to register.
Donamatrix Day 2025: Here’s the line-up
Thursday, April 3 at 10 a.m. — The Senior Matrix Experience
The Donamatrix Workout for older adults ages 60+ will take place at Vernon Johns Middle School Gymnasium at 3101 Homestead Drive. The senior experience is free, but advance registration is required. Visit donamatrixday.com for more information and to register.
Thursday, April 3 at 12:30 p.m. — VSU lecture
A private speaking engagement with Virginia State University students.
Thursday, April 3 at 5 p.m. — DB For 3 Charity Basketball Shootout
DB for 3 Charity Basketball Shootout, a tournament bracket competition, has a grand prize of $250. It is for all ages and genders and will benefit the city of Petersburg Recreation, Special Events and Volunteerism Department. It will take place at Petersburg High School’s William W. Lawson, Jr. Gymnasium at 3101 Johnson Road. Grab your teammate, lace up and see who will light it up. At Petersburg High School, registration is between 5 and 5:30 p.m., and the tournament runs from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The website provides the following contest info: two-game elimination, any gender and all ages may participate, and two players per each team. Register at donamatrix.com.
Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — The Fitness Festival
The Donamatrix Day Fit Fest community event is free and will feature the following:
- Warrior Combat: 9:30 – 10 a.m.
- Caribbean Dance: 10 – 10:30 a.m.
- Extreme Burn: 10:30 -11 a.m.
- Bxclusive Fitness: 11 – 11:30 a.m.
- Fit Girls Club: Noon – 12:30 p.m.
- Xtreme Hip Hop with Keshia: 12:30 – 1 p.m.
- Donamatrix Workout: 1 – 2 p.m.
- Trap Cardio.: 2 – 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 5 from 9 a.m. – noon — Youth Flag Football Tournament and Youth Kickball Tournament
The Youth Flag Football and Youth Kickball Tournaments are for children between the ages of 9 and 12. The event for boys and girls will take place at Petersburg High School. Each team consists of 8 to 10 players. Register for free at the Office of Recreation, Special Events and Volunteerism at 1937 Johnson Road in Petersburg.
For nearly a decade, Brooks has teamed up with the city of Petersburg to help reduce the risk of early death, combat cancer disparities and improve the overall health outcomes in the city. Petersburg High School is located at 3101 Johnson Road. For more info, visit donamatrixday.com. Remember to carry a resistance band to the fit fest.
Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at [email protected], follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.
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