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DETROIT (7/16/2015) -- The University of Detroit Mercy Department of Athletics was on hand at one of the biggest youth events in the Motor City as the Titans took part in Metro Detroit Youth Day on Wednesday, July 15.
 
An event that began over 30 years ago, this year's edition was once again held on Belle Isle Park and reports had over 30,000 children in attendance.
 
Members of the Titan athletics was on hand passing out posters and schedules for the UDM soccer and basketball teams. The lovable Tommy Titan was also on hand meeting and greeting kids and Titan athletics also put on a soccer clinic.
 
This event has grown annually from some 1,100 participants the first year to more than 34,000 youth in 2013. In addition more than 1,600 volunteers lend a helping hand to supervise the sports clinics, games, contests, luncheon and various other activities held at this colorful event.   Volunteers come from more than 340 organizations and 240 businesses and civic groups who support Metro Youth Day.
 
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, awarding and average of 80 more scholarships yearly, and honoring outstanding students for academic excellence and community service. 
 
Sports stars, government officials, College Row, media celebrities and others attend the event and provide upbeat messages and encouragement to the youth. Co-founder Ed Deeb is the driving force of the big event. He is chairman and coordinator, donating his time and energy for the kids, and is supported by Michigan's food industry which provides a free, nutritious lunch, and numerous corporate sponsors and small businesses who provide buses to transport kids to and from Belle Isle and/or college scholarships.
 
In 2012, head men's basketball coach Ray McCallum received the Distinguished Service Honoree by the Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation for his work in the community and with youth at the Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day.