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DETROIT (7/14/2016) -- Members of the University of Detroit Mercy women's basketball team, Tommy Titan and staff members were present Wednesday at the 34th annual Metro Detroit Youth Day, which hosts more than 25,000 youth on Belle Isle for a day of fun.

An event that began nearly 35 years ago hosted thousands of kids on Belle Isle on Wednesday. The Titan women's basketball team took part in basketball drills with many youngsters, while former Titan great Earl Cureton was also on hand in association with the Detroit Pistons.

Metro Detroit Youth Day has grown from when it started as 1,100 kids to more than 34,000 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. More than 800,000 children have participated in the event since its inception.

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.

Check out photos from the event, by visiting our Facebook page.