WARREN, Mich. -- University of Detroit Mercy men's basketball head coach Ray McCallum will add another honor to this championship year, but this one has nothing to do with his normal coaching duties as he will be recognized as a Distinguished Service Honoree by the Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation.

“It is a real honor to receive this award,” said McCallum. “I talk to the team about giving back and I will continue to make that a mission for our program. Being involved with the youth is something that is very special to me.”

Coach McCallum will be honored on Wednesday, July 11, at the Metro Detroit Youth Day at Belle Isle. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m., at the Belle Isle athletic field.

Coach McCallum is receiving this award for the work he does in the community and with the local youth.

In its 30th year, Metro Detroit Youth Day is the largest youth event in Michigan, drawing nearly 700,000 youngsters over the years.

The idea for Metro Detroit Youth Day is to bring together metro Detroit area youth from all walks of life for a day of sports, fun, and constructive activities, and to show youngsters that business people, the community and the food industry cared about them and respect them. The event has grown from some 1,100 participants the first year to more than 37,000 youth in 2010.  In addition, more than 1,500 volunteers lend a helping hand to supervise the sports clinics, games, contests, luncheon and various other activities held at this colorful event.  

Originally, the goal was to help foster goodwill and harmony.  But in 1991, Metro Youth Day became more than fun and games.  It was expanded to include youth guidance, mentors, role models, anti-substance abuse activity, motivational speakers, entertainment, award of 50 or more scholarships yearly, and honoring outstanding students for academic excellence and community service.  Sports stars, government officials, media celebrities and others attend the event and provide upbeat messages and encouragement to the youth.  

For more information on Metro Detroit Youth Day, click here.