DETROIT — About 35,000 youths are expected to gather at Belle Isle on July 8 for a colorful celebration of athletics, academics and service.

An Arab American volunteer is seen painting the arm of a youngster during the 2008 Metro Youth Day. Photos courtesy of Ed Deeb

The fun at Metro Detroit Youth Day is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. with games, pie-eating contests, martial arts, baseball, football, tennis and golf clinics, zoo and library exhibits, arts and crafts lessons and more activities.
Thirty area high school seniors are to receive college scholarships from a coalition of companies, non-profits and government groups. Another 12 students are to receive awards for community service and academic achievement.

Professional sports stars are expected to be on hand and original Motown performers are scheduled to pay a special tribute to Michael Jackson.

The event is free and targets kids between the ages of 8 and 15.

President of the Michigan Food and Berverage Association Ed Deeb, who is Arab American, coordinates the event every year.

“We want to show the youngsters they are our future and we respect them. We want them to be educated and contribute to our community… and hopefully stay in Michigan,” Deeb said.

“This year’s event is our 27th anniversary. The kids will have a great time at Belle Isle. There are so many activities for them to participate in.”

Robert Jones, center, of AT&T, addresses the crowd and announces a $37,000 donation to the Michigan Food and Beverage Association for college scholarships during last year’s Metro Detroit Youth Day at Belle Isle. From left are Detroit Councilwoman Brenda Jones, state Senator Martha Scott, Robert Jones, Michigan Food and Beverage Association President Ed Deeb, and Barbara Jean Johnson of the Governor’s office.

Deeb started the annual event in 1980 after tensions arose between Detroit youth and business owners.
He said Metro Detroit Youth Day was created to show young people that businesses and community organizations care about them.

Ten years after the annual event began as a day of fun to foster goodwill and harmony, the event expanded to include youth guidance, mentors, role models, motivational speakers, entertainment and scholarships.

“Metro Detroit Youth Day is a success story about people and organizations working together for harmonious community relations,” Deeb said.

About 290 community organizations and 200 business sponsors participate.

To register or for more information, call 586.393.8800 or visit www.youth-day.com.