Metro Detroit Youth Day
(MDYD) organizers expect more than 35,000 youths, 1,600 volunteers and 350 community partners at the 34th annual youth-centric event from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. onWednesday, July 13 at Belle Isle’s athletic fields.
“Metro Detroit Youth Day is about people and organizations working together to make a good impression on the kids, show them we care and provide them a fun day filled with supervised, constructive activities,” said Ed Deeb, founder and chairman of Metro Detroit Youth Day; and founder of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association. “We want safe schools free of crime and bullying. Youth Day will have a wide range of activities emphasizing sportsmanship, education, fair play and leadership. It’s a great way to focus their energy in a positive manner.”
More than one million children have participated in Metro Detroit Youth Day over the years including Detroit native Bruce Ross who says attending the inaugural Metro Detroit Youth Day in 1981 was his turning point.
“Metro Detroit Youth Day saved my life,” said Ross. “I was at a crossroads where I could have easily turned to crime or drugs, but at that first Youth Day I saw people of all races showing respect and love to me and the other kids. Mr. Deeb introduced me to my boyhood hero, Detroit Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney. From that point forward, I knew I wanted to lead a positive life and I’ve never looked back.”
Ross went on to graduate from Pershing High School and became a first-generation college graduate, earning a degree from Wayne State University. He was also recently named as a member of the board of directors for Metro Detroit Youth Day and is working with Youth Day and The Michigan Appreciation Foundation on opportunities for youth in Detroit and throughout the state.
This year, MDYD will continue its tradition as the region’s largest single-day youth event by providing sports clinics, education stations, entertainment and workshops for students focused on anti-crime, anti-bullying, health and wellness, entrepreneurship and a free lunch.
SPORTS
Area youth will test their skills and explore new interests at sports clinics including martial arts, boxing, golf, track and field, soccer, lacrosse, bowling, football, basketball, and more.
A partnership with the NFL Alumni Detroit Chapter and the Gridiron Institute will bring former Detroit Lion Ron Rice and other NFL players to Belle Isle to offer fundamental skill drills, instruction and games to future football stars. Wayne State University football players will also be on hand to assist and sign autographs.
The Detroit Pistons will also host a basketball clinic including appearances from several Pistons personalities, legends and entertainment teams.
EDUCATION
The Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation, MDYD’s parent organization, will recognize area high school students for community and academic achievement and award more than 102 scholarships to deserving students who submitted an application and essay for consideration. With the generous support of MDYD sponsors, Michigan’s colleges and universities, companies, organizations and the general public MDYD has awarded more than 1,200 scholarships since 1991.
The education area also features MDYD’s College Row, chaired by John Ambrose of Michigan State University, which provides an opportunity for students to visit with and learn more about Michigan’s colleges and universities. This year’s lineup includes: Eastern Michigan University, Ferris State University, Michigan State University, Oakland University, Saginaw Valley State University, University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Western Michigan University.
“Our goal is to inspire our youth to do the most good, help our youth and provide more meaning to their lives and service to our communities, and go to college, graduate, and become our future leaders in Michigan,” Deeb said.
The Education and Exhibit areas will include opportunities for the kids to interact with organizations including: Arts & Scraps, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Belle Isle Nature Zoo, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit, Crime Stoppers of Michigan, Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit PAL, Detroit Public Schools Foundation and more.
ENTERTAINMENT
The morning will begin the opening ceremony with a procession led for safe schools led by The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Michigan State Police, Detroit Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, Crime Stoppers of Michigan and Boy Scouts of America. In addition, Martha Reeves will perform the national anthem and several youngsters will sing and dance for a chance at prizes on the Pepsi Stage during the 10th annual Youth Day Idol Contest.
HONORS
This year Metro Detroit Youth Day will honor the following individuals for their support of Metro Detroit Youth Day, including:
- Motown Legend, Martha Reeves
- NFL Hall-of-Famer Lem Barney
- Michigan Senator Steve Bieda
- Sam Abrams, Detroit Tigers
- John Ambrose, Michigan State University
- Charles Burke, Grosse Pointe War Memorial
- Louis Vescio, Metro Detroit Youth Day Chairman Emeritus
For more information or to register to attend Metro Detroit Youth Day, visit https://www.metrodetroityouthday.org/
