Detroit Free Press renown columnist Mitch Albom and Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford have teamed up to reopen one of Detroit’s recreational centers for youth.
Stafford’s Score7 Charitable Foundation, Albom’s S.A.Y. Detroit and the City of Detroit have partnered in an effort to transform the former abandoned Lipke Center into a unique new facility that will in academic achievement.
S.A.Y Detroit founder Albom said he believes that the center will cultivate an opportunity for young athletes to gain the academic help needed to be the best student athlete possible.
“Our dream when we started planning this facility was to create first class athletics to inspire first class academics,” said Albom. “This is a great day to see those two dreams coming together, and I hope this place becomes a launching pad for the dreams of Detroit kids whom it will serve.”
The center is located on 14.2 acres in the Osborn area. The facility is expected to uplift the community while granting students to high-tech equipment and access to professional athletes. There was 7,000 sq. ft. of a digital learning center built specifically for students that will also be unveiled along with a fully-equipped music recording studio provided by national non-profit Notes for Notes.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to impact our city’s young people and make a change for the better in their educational experience by preparing them for college, jobs, and whatever else lies ahead,” said Stafford.
The grounds outside of the newly opened center will be accessible to the public during the time that students are not using the facility. Students progress and retention of school related subject matters will be monitored with the help of local schools.
The center will offer an accountability system to encourage student’s daily attendance in school as well as offer on-site tutoring for those struggling to meet academic standards set by their school.
“Thanks to Mitch Albom and Matthew Stafford, this neighborhood has an incredible facility that rivals what you’ll see in any city in this region,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “And it’s so important that there is such a strong emphasis on youth academics, not just athletics. This is a great partnership and a great day for this community.”
Other organizations that helped in the venture include:
Major League Baseball
Detroit Tigers
Detroit Lions
National Football League
AstroTurf
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries work crew
Haworth for their amazing furnishings
DOW Foundation
Cooper Standard
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