Metro Detroit Youth Day Set To Celebrate 30th Anniversary on Belle Isle July 11, 2012

DETROIT - One of the highlights of summer for more than 35,000 youngsters from the Metro Detroit area is the annual Metro Detroit Youth Day (MDYD). This year (2012) the colorful event for children will celebrate its historic 30th anniversary on July 11. It is the largest youth event in Michigan.

Metro Youth Day began following altercations between youth and Detroit merchants in the summer of 1980. The event was created to show youngsters that businesses, the community and civic organizations do care about our youth.

“Metro Detroit Youth Day is a success story about people and organizations working together for harmonious community relations,” said Ed Deeb, co-founder and coordinator of the event. He is chairman and founder of the Michigan Food and Beverage Association (MFBA), one of the event’s main sponsors. Today, more than 320 community groups participate in Metro Detroit Youth Day.

“The fun-filled day gives kids a chance to enjoy time away from home in the middle of summer while participating in supervised, constructive activities, with 1,600 volunteers helping and supervising,” Deeb continued. “The day emphasizes sportsmanship, education, fair play and leadership.”

Youth Day is a catalyst in channeling children’s energy in a positive and constructive setting. Special games and activities are also included for the growing number of disabled or handicapped youngsters participating.

In addition Metro Detroit Youth Day will have entertainment featuring young entertainers from various schools. Also, the 3rd annual Metro Detroit Youth Day Youth Idol Contest will be held.

“Today, we are more than fun and games,” Deeb Said “Originally, the goal was to offer games and inspire goodwill and harmony. ” Following receipt of the Presidential Point of Light Award (No. 477), in 1991 MDYD became more serious and was expanded to include youth guidance, mentors, role models, anti-substance abuse activity, motivational speakers, entertainment and awarding 60 or more college scholarships to graduating high school seniors each year. To date more than 760 scholarships have been awarded to area graduating high school seniors.

Metro Detroit Youth Day also honors non-seniors from area metro Detroit high schools for academic achievement and community service each year.

Youth between the ages of 8-15 years will be able to participate in various sports clinics, contests, races, entertainment, and visit the education area including College Row where 14 universities will be on hand. Also there will be groups who display their activities in the Exhibit and Education tents who plan to participate. In addition, there will be mini-workshops on anti-bullying, fighting crime, anti-obesity, and entrepreneurship to help teach the kids the basics of running a business and being your own boss.

Sports stars, government officials, media celebrities and others attend the event and provide upbeat messages and encouragement to the youth. At noon a free lunch will be served to youth participants and volunteers, provided by Michigan’s food industry and members of Michigan Food and Beverage Association, Deeb said.

More than 320 community and youth organizations participate in Metro Youth Day, including more than 220 businesses, civic organizations and government agencies as sponsors.

“When we help and work with our kids, we provide meaning to their lives and service to humanity, which I feel is the best work of life,” Deeb said. “We want to inspire our youth to do the most good, in a crime-free environment.”

To learn how you can participate as organizations, volunteers, sponsors, or to register youth, contact MFBA (586) 393-8800 or visit our website at www.metrodetroityouthday.com.