DETROIT (7/13/2017) -- The University of Detroit Mercy was well represented at the 35th Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day as the Titans stood out on University row and former men's basketball standout Earl Cureton received high praise in the Distinguished Service Award.
Â
The award is for his dedication and involvement in the community of Detroit and his passion for the Motor City.
Â
The Titans were also one of the University's from all across the state of Michigan who were on hand to entertain all the kids in attendance.
Â
The Titan station provided activities and information about athletics and the University. Tommy Titan was there as well as members of the Athletic Staff, dancing, cheer and women's basketball team, who played games with the kids and interacted with everyone on social media.
Â
The Metro Detroit Youth Day is in its 35th year and is known as the largest youth event in Michigan, drawing nearly 700,000 youngsters over the years, with attendance expecting to reach over 30,000 today.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
