DETROIT – The 33rd annual Metro Detroit Youth Day will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday on Belle Isle's athletic fields.
Organizers expect more than 34,000 youths and 1,600 volunteers to converge on the site.
"Metro Detroit Youth Day is about people and organizations working together to provide kids on summer break a fun-filled day out of the house and participating in supervised, constructive activities with their peers," said Ed Deeb, co-founder and chairman of Metro Detroit Youth Day. "Youth Day is a catalyst for channeling children's energy in a positive manner while emphasizing sportsmanship, education, fair play and leadership."
The region's largest single-day youth event will provide sports clinics, education stations, entertainment and workshops for students focused on anti-crime, anti-bullying, health and wellness, and entrepreneurship.
Metro Youth Day began following altercations between youth and Detroit merchants in the summer of 1980. Two youngsters and one owner were killed.
The event was created to show youngsters that businesses, the community and civic organizations do care about them.
Children will test their skills and explore new interests at sports clinics including martial arts, golf, tennis, weight lifting, boxing, track and field, football and basketball.
A partnership with the NFL Alumni Detroit Chapter and the Gridiron Institute will bring former NFL players to Belle Isle to offer fundamental skill drills, instruction and games to potential future football stars. The Detroit Pistons will host the Sprite Ultimate Challenge championship.
The Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation, MDYD's parent organization, will award more than 120 scholarships to students who submitted an application and essay for consideration. Each year, MDYD provides more than $35,000 in scholarships.
The education area also features MDYD's College Row which provides an opportunity for students to visit with and learn more about Michigan's colleges and universities.
"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 morning will include the opening ceremony at 10 a.m. with a performance of the national anthem.
Children will provide entertainment for guests by singing, dancing and showcasing their talents at the Youth Day Idol Contest. The Detroit Opera House Children's Chorus will give a special performance, and the Jazz Trio from Michigan State University, Detroit will also perform.
Children between the ages of 8 to 15 can show up on the day of the event and register with a parent.
More information can be found here.