DETROIT — The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion expects thousands of participants at its May 9 Walk2gether event on Belle Isle, where walkers will demonstrate their support for diversity and inclusion.

“This event is the premier celebration of Michigan’s rich diversity and brings together people from the business, civic, education and faith communities,” said Michigan Roundtable President and CEO Thomas Costello. “We look forward to a strong show of support for building sustainable inclusive communities in our state.”

The walk will begin and end at the Belle Isle Casino on Detroit’s historic Belle Isle May 9, 2009. Participants will begin the day at 9 a.m. with registration. Entertainment begins at 9:15 a.m. A pre-walk warm up begins at 9:45 a.m. and at 10 a.m. a short program featuring community and corporate leaders will begin. The walk will immediately follow the program.

Walkers can choose either a one mile or three mile route. At 11 a.m. post walk activities include entertainment, activities and a raffle. Prizes include a Nintendo Wii, a gas grill, a weekend stay for two at the MGM Grand Hotel, a signed Curtis Granderson Detroit Tigers jersey, Detroit Tiger tickets for four behind home plate, a $75 gift certificate from Hansen’s Running Shop, 2 girls bikes with training wheels, and a DTOUR tour for up to 20 people. DTOUR provides a variety of tours in Detroit. There will be exhibits, a health zone, a tech zone, a financial zone and a kids’ zone with face painters and inflatable attractions for children.

There are no fees to participate in Walk2Gether Michigan. Participants are encouraged to raise money for the event and to ask for sponsor donations. A recommended minimum is $25 and those who raise this amount will receive a Walk2gether Michigan t-shirt. Proceeds go the Michigan Roundtable and support their efforts to create sustainable inclusive communities.

Those interested in joining the Walk2gether Michigan event can contact Walk Coordinator Billie Hickey at 313.870.1500 ext. 100 or e-mail bhickey@miroundtable.org. Individuals, teams and sponsors are still being recruited. Visit www.miroundtable.org for additional information.

The Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion is a nonprofit, human relations organization that seeks to eliminate discrimination and racism by working proactively across racial, religious, ethnic, and cultural boundaries. The Roundtable helps build sustainable, inclusive communities, businesses and institutions through diversity training, advocacy, conflict resolution, interfaith collaboration, youth leadership training, and community dialogue. For more information, visit www.miroundtable.org.