KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Hundreds of runners, walkers, families, and community supporters are expected to gather at Kissimmee Lakefront Park this Saturday, June 27, for the 10th Annual Team Kareem 5K, an event dedicated to raising awareness about water safety and helping prevent drowning-related tragedies.
Sponsored by Orlando Health, the annual event supports the mission of the Team Kareem Memorial Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Arkiesha Reese following the tragic loss of her son, Kareem Angel Green.
Kareem drowned at the age of 5 during his first field trip to water, a heartbreaking experience that inspired Reese to turn her grief into a life-saving mission focused on education, prevention, and community outreach.
“Our mission is to ensure that no family endures a preventable tragedy like ours,” Reese has shared. “We are dedicated to educating others and providing essential life skills to save lives.”
Since its founding, the Team Kareem Memorial Foundation has worked throughout Central Florida to provide water safety education, scholarships for swim lessons, CPR training, lifeguard training, and critical safety equipment to children, parents, caregivers, and community partners.
Organizers say the annual 5K serves not only as a fundraiser but also as an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of learning water safety skills and being prepared to respond in emergency situations.
The family-friendly event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and is open to children, strollers, and pets. Participants will gather at Kissimmee Lakefront Park, located at 201 Lakeview Drive, for a morning focused on fitness, remembrance, and community impact.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children, making water safety education and swimming instruction critical tools in preventing future tragedies.
Over the past decade, Team Kareem has become a recognized advocate for drowning prevention throughout Osceola County and Central Florida, reaching thousands of families through educational programs and community events.
Registration for the event remains available for both in-person and virtual participants. Proceeds will help support the foundation’s ongoing efforts to provide life-saving resources and training throughout the community.
The 10th Annual Team Kareem 5K will take place Saturday, June 27, at Kissimmee Lakefront Park.
For Reese and the countless families impacted by the organization’s work, the message remains simple and powerful: Not one more.
