McCallum Receives Award at 30th Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day

Coach McCallum Speech | Photo Gallery

BELLE ISLE, Mich. -- Detroti head men's basketball coach Ray McCallum was among the many dignitaries in attendance at the 30th Annual Metro Detroit Youth Day, held on Belle Isle on Wednesday.

Coach McCallum was joined by, among others, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, former Tiger great Willie Horton, Michigan State Athletics Director Mark Hollis and former Pistons big man Rick Mahorn. WDIV's Randy Henry served as Master of Ceremonies.

“What I say to my players is that it is not about the name on the back of your jersey, it is about the name on the front and it says Detroit, and we are going to continue to try and represent you the right way,” said Coach McCallum.

Youth Day Chairman and Coordinator Ed Deeb was on hand to greet all the honorees as Coach McCallum received his accolade as a Distinguished Service Honoree by the Michigan Youth Appreciation Foundation for his work in the community and with youth.

The Metro Detroit Youth Day is in its 30th 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.

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.

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.

For more information on Metro Detroit Youth Day, click here.

(Release courtesy of DetroitTitans.com)