This month my fellows and I were tasked with coming up a project of our own that would impact the city of Detroit in a positive way. We were allowed to decide how we wanted to make an impact and the project I assisted on was the first ever Detroit Youth Games. My team put together a one day sports and mentorship clinic that took place July 25th on Belle Isle. The camp consisted of learning and fundamental building in the sports areas of basketball, football and soccer. After sports play we provided lunch to participants and brought in Olympic Swimmer Peter Vanderkaay to speak to the camp about goals and leadership. After mentorship activities we proceeded with a competition for campers to participate in and then games until we were all worn out. I am not sure who had more fun our campers or us fellows. It was a great event and I can’t wait to see how it evolves going into next year.

The reason I chose to focus my impact project around athletics is because of the role that athletics has played in my life. For as long as I can remember I was very active in a sport of some kind. As a child and even as a adult in college athletics taught me how to be responsible, be a leader, never quit and work hard (to name a few). These values play an irreplaceable part in my life and having the opportunity to be a part in instilling them in our youth is very important to me. Children are the future so there is no better place to start then with them. That is why my impact project was not only important to me but gives you an inside look at my childhood and the values I was brought up with.

Until next time