Virginia
Thousands of Virginians compete in 35th annual Commonwealth Games
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – This weekend, 5000 athletes and over 15,000 spectators from across Virginia came out to Liberty University for the largest multi-sport festival in the state.
“We are basically Virginia’s Olympics. There’s just about something for everybody,” said Charity Waldron, the Director of Operations and Media Relations for Virginia Amateur Sports.
People of all ages compete in dozens of sports for Virginia Amateur Sports’ 35th annual Commonwealth Games.
“It truly is like the Commonwealth coming together,” added Waldron.
Youth basketball dominated the courts on Saturday as teams competed for several hours.
“We hoopin as you can see, getting buckets, you know,” said Jayden Reid, a 10th grader from Grassfield High School in Chesapeake.
Reid is one of the players on team Ground & Pound from Portsmouth. The team has been competing in the games for over 5 years.
“Our team, we brothers,” said Reid. ”We’ve been playing with each other for like, since we was in second grade. So like we have a tight bond. It’s a family at the end of the day,” he said.
Ground and Pound coaches Chris, Anwan, and Kenny bring the team back each year because of that brotherly bond and the chance for the players to make more.
“Just seeing all the kids together, all of them getting along. No altercations,” said Chris. “I liked that part of it because you get to meet people from other parts of Virginia that we normally wouldn’t get to see. So I think that’s a good experience for them and them just sharing stories and the camaraderie that go along with them.”
All three coaches agreed their favorite part of the weekend is how the impact on the players goes beyond the courts.
“They get the college experience,” said Chris. “It kinda makes them want to go to college by seeing the campus and a facility. So we definitely love that part of it.”
They’re confident in the team as the second day of the tournament wraps up.
“We’ve been playing great so far. You know, they’re coming together, they’re gelling at the right time. So I think we got a legitimate shot to go this year,” said Chris.
Although the 2024 games wrap up this weekend, the competition, fun and new friendships will be back. Registration is open in January on commonwealthgames.org for anyone who wants to join the Virginia Olympics next year.
Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – The Virginia Zoo will host its annual Bike Night on Friday, May 8, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in celebration of National Bike Month. This all-ages event offers guests the opportunity to explore 53 acres of the Virginia Zoo’s beautifully landscaped grounds on designated paths.
This is just one of many events planned throughout the City of Norfolk for National Bike Month.
Animal exhibit trails and the Goat Yard will remain open after-hours, until 7:30 p.m. This unique experience allows visitors to observe animal behaviors after regular operating hours.
Local vendors will also be on hand to assist with bike repairs or accessories.
Guests can meet Animal Ambassadors for a Zoo Tales story reading at the ZooLive! Stage at 6 p.m. The evening also features an energizing DJ dance party. The Zoo’s young professionals group, GenZoo, will help attendees craft decorations for their helmets. Local businesses like Slow & Steady Bikes and Goods and East Coast Bicycles will offer bike accessories. Community organizations such as Elizabeth River Trail, Visit Norfolk, Spinclusion and Bike Norfolk are also scheduled to attend.
Member tickets for Bike Night cost $8. Non-member adult tickets are $18, and non-member child tickets are $13. Children under two receive free entry, but a reserved “under two” ticket is still required.
The event is likely to sell out, so if you are interested in attending, it’s best to act fast. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at virginiazoo.org/event/bike-night/.
Bike Night will take place rain or shine.
Rules and Safety
- No Electric Bicycles Permitted (Unless Hybrids with Motors Removed)
- No skateboards, roller skates, or longboards
- Helmets must be worn by all attendees under the age of 18.
- Bikes must be walked on animal trails — no riding.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Virginia Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at May 3, 2026, results for each game:
Pick 3
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 4-2-3, FB: 0
Day: 9-4-1, FB: 4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 1-4-3-3, FB: 1
Day: 3-0-3-5, FB: 7
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 5
DAY drawing at 1:59 p.m. NIGHT drawing at 11 p.m. each day.
Night: 7-7-5-7-8, FB: 3
Day: 4-1-9-5-8, FB: 1
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Cash Pop
Drawing times: Coffee Break 9 a.m.; Lunch Break 12 p.m.; Rush Hour 5 p.m.; Prime Time 9 p.m.; After Hours 11:59 p.m.
Coffee Break: 05
After Hours: 09
Prime Time: 13
Rush Hour: 12
Lunch Break: 15
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Cash 5
Drawing every day at 11 p.m.
03-05-09-19-44
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
Drawing everyday at 11:15 p.m.
05-08-15-32-51, Bonus: 03
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Center for Community Journalism (CCJ) editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Roanoke (Va.) North Cross School receiver Demarcus Brown tells Rivals he has flipped his commitment from Virginia to Virginia Tech.
The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Brown becomes commit No. 10 for head coach James Franklin and the Hokies in the 2027 class.
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Brown is one of the most prolific players in the state, turning 53 receptions into 1,112 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior with over 60 tackles six interceptions and two forced fumbles when playing defense.
Future position coach Fontel Mines was the lead recruiter for Brown who had been a verbal to Virginia since December. Once Franklin and the new staff landed at Virginia Tech they quickly prioritized Brown.
Now they have him in the fold.
Rivals ranks Brown as the nation’s No. 49 receiver and No. 10 prospect overall in the state of Virginia.
This Hokies class has some dynamic playmaking ability with Brown joining fellow receiver Anthony Roberts, along with running backs Kelvin Morrison and Stanley Smart as part of the fold.
Virginia Tech is in the mix for a Top25 class this cycle. Browns adds to a haul that Rivals previously ranked No. 31.
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