The Numbers Behind Metro Detroit Youth Day 2019

DETROIT, MI— Metro Detroit Youth Day, one of Detroit's favorite youth-centered summer traditions, is coming up.

Metro Detroit Youth Day organizers expect more than 35,000 students, 1,600 volunteers and 300 community partners to attend the 37th annual event. It takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 10 on Belle Isle's athletic fields.

"Metro Detroit Youth Day represents the community coming together to instill a positive impression on our youth during an entertaining and educational day," said Ed Deeb, founder and chairman of Metro Detroit Youth Day and founder of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association. "We're honored to be able to have an impact on young people's lives and are looking forward to an inspirational event with metro Detroit youth and our supportive community. We extend many thanks to all the sponsors that make this event possible."

Metro Detroit Youth Day is the region's largest single-day youth event in the area and provides activities that focus on everything from sports to education.

Workshops will focus on a variety of topics including combating crime and bullying, the importance of health and wellness, as well as the spirit of entrepreneurship. All those in attendance will receive a free lunch - made possible by contributions from over 25 partnerships and sponsors - and have the opportunity to make crafts, memories and new friends.

Prominent city leaders and dignitaries will be honored for their impactful contributions and positive influence on the community's youth at the celebration, too. Metro Youth Day will feature education and entertainment areas where students will have the opportunity to interact with organizations such as the Department of Natural Resources, the Detroit Public Library, Crime Stoppers of Michigan, The Parade Company and many more. More than 100 interactive activities and exhibits will be available to local youth, including robotics demonstrations, chemistry experiments, artistic exploration sessions and more.

Martha Reeves will kick off the event by singing the National Anthem followed by the U.S. Air Force flying three jets overhead to commemorate the day.College Row will provide a unique opportunity for students to visit with school representatives and learn about more than a dozen of Michigan's colleges and universities.

University and collegiate representatives will engage students with "hands-on" activities such as robotics exhibits, educational yard games and themed trivia. MDYD's parent organization, the Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation, will recognize local high school students for community and academic achievement by awarding scholarships to students who submitted an application and essay for consideration.

Thanks to the upport MDYD sponsors, Michigan's colleges and universities, community organizations and the public have pledged, more than 120 scholarships will be awarded this year to deserving metro Detroit students. The Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation has awarded nearly 2,000 scholarships since 1991.

At MDYD, students will have access to organized sporting exercises, pick-up games and other activities including martial arts, boxing, golf, track and field, soccer, lacrosse, bowling, football, basketball and other sports.

NFL Alumni representatives will be present to participate in football drills and share anecdotes from their time in the league. Representatives and mascot friends from various colleges and those of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers will also be on hand.A

ll Metro Detroit Youth Day attendees are required to register in advance of the event or on-site at the registration area on Belle Isle's athletic fields. A form of identification is required for all participating youth.

The colorful event came about following altercations on Livernois Avenue when a dozen young people were running into food stores to steal alcoholic beverages. During a two-week period, one grocer and two youngsters were shot and killed. The event organizers sought to create an event that focused on the positive.

Deeb, who received the Point of Light Award from President Bush, has received numerous honors for establishing this event, including being named to several Halls of Fame, and being honored by The Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News.

For more information or to register to attend Metro Detroit Youth Day, visit www.metrodetroityouthday.org/register.html or call (586) 393-8801.