H.Y.P.E. Founder Ali Sayed cuts the ribbon on the new 104,000 sq.-foot center in Dearborn Heights along with local officials.

DEARBORN HEIGHTS — What began as a simple three-on-three basketball tournament hosted by friends has grown into one of Metro Detroit’s biggest community recreation organizations, and now a brand new state-of-the-art 104,000 square foot recreation and education center for area youth and families. 

The organization, Helping Youth Progress and Excel (H.Y.P.E.), started in 2001, held a grand opening celebration for the new center on Friday, May 4, with hundreds of guests including local dignitaries turning out for the ribbon cutting ceremony, dinner and speeches. 

H.Y.P.E. Founder Ali Sayed, a former Dearborn City Council candidate, was overcome with emotion as he addressed the crowd before thanking his family and those who helped make the dream possible. 

“A lot of credit has been given to me but I don’t deserve it,” he said. “A lot of people said we could never make this happen unless we took bribes, or knew the right people, but it happened because of organizations that are committed to building the community.

“We’re going to do a lot of good here…We’re going to do a lot of great.” 

The facility took 18 months to complete and is located on Warren Ave. east of Telegraph Road on land purchased for $1 from Wayne County. 

Sayed became emotional while giving his speech in front of a packed house in the massive gym portion of the new center, which will also offer educational and career training. PHOTOS: Nafeh AbuNab/American Elite Studios

Now that the center is complete, Sayed and company plan to work to provide a drug-free, violence-free and diverse environment for kids. The facility includes a variety of amenities including indoor basketball and volleyball courts, indoor track, outdoor fields, computer lab, health cafe, fitness classes, a co-ed and women’s-only exercise room and more. Education and anti-bullying programs as well as tutoring and mentoring are also a major focus, as Sayed said that students won’t be allowed to play until beginning their homework in the education area. 

There is no residency requirement to become a member with rates ranging from $19 a month for seniors to $22 a month for ages 12-17 and $69 a month for a family of up to four kids. 

Former Michigan basketball star Jimmy King, a coach at the center, was on hand for the opening as was emcee Syma Chowdhry, a news anchor from CBS Detroit, Wayne County Deputy Executive Jeffrey Collins, Dearborn Heights Mayor Daniel Paletko, city council members, keynote speaker Herman Moore, a former Pro Bowl receiver with the Detroit Lions, and more. 

“I’m excited to be an advocate and a supporter, I feel honored and privileged,” Moore said. “I’m not used to everyone being so cordial but I can tell you, it’s genuine, and H.Y.P.E. is committed to making a difference and changing lives with the highest level of character and integrity.” 

Sayed said that the event was the beginning of a new challenge that his team is ready to handle. “When you’ve got people you can trust with everything you have, and who care, then you can help others.”

For more info on H.Y.P.E. and its programs, visit www.hypeathletics.org, or call 313.357.5458.