The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Project Play Southeast Michigan are hosting the Detroit Youth Sports Showcase on Saturday, August 16 to promote the benefits of physical activity and to introduce children from throughout the community to a wide variety of sports.
The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cullen Plaza, which is located at 1340 Atwater Street along the Detroit Riverfront. The event takes place rain or shine.
The Detroit Youth Sports Showcase provides youth with the opportunity to visit various stations set up around Cullen Plaza and the neighboring Milliken State Park to experience a variety of sports and outdoor physical activities, some of which they may have never tried or had access to before. The sports and physical activities are offered by organizations throughout southeast Michigan.
This is the third year for the event.
The stations will consist of field hockey with Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey, skateboarding with A Positive Seed, golf with First Tee Greater Detroit, robotics with Gearhead Robotics, chess with Wise Guys Chess Club, volleyball with Detroit Volleyball Club, lacrosse with Detroit United Lacrosse, tennis with Motor City Tennis and more.
There will also be literacy resources and information on after-school program offerings in the City of Detroit. In total, there are more than 15 stations featured at the event.
The Motor City Cruise will host a special activation at the event featuring fun activities and giveaways for all ages, including an appearance from mascot, Nitro. The Cruise is also hosting a basketball clinic from Noon to 1 p.m. that will be led by Cruise associate head coach Marcus Stout, Detroit Pistons player development coaches Vasu Gupta and Assane Sene, Motor City Cruise staff and Pistons Academy staff.
“Detroit Youth Sports Showcase will be the perfect opportunity for families looking to get active on the riverfront,” said Addison Mauck, director of visitor experience for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “With such a variety of different sports from local organizations to experience, there will be something for everyone to try.”
“We’re proud to partner on the Detroit Youth Sports Showcase because we believe every child deserves the chance to play, grow, and thrive through sports,” said Rickey Jackson Jr., program manager, Project Play Southeast Michigan. “Events like this are our ‘why.’ They bring our community together and highlight the power of play to build confidence, connection, and lifelong skills.”
All ages and experience levels are welcome to attend the event. Participants are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle to fill up on-site and wear athletic apparel and closed-toed shoes.
Participants can receive free Detroit Tigers tickets while supplies last, along with other giveaways and access to back-to-school resources.
Free parking is available in the River East Garage at 1000 Franklin Street, Detroit MI 48207. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
There are opportunities for summer camps or youth organizations to bring large groups to the event. Email the Conservancy at info@detroitriverfront.org to register.
For more information about the Detroit Youth Sports Showcase or to register, visit: https://detroitriverfront.org/youthsportsshowcase
About the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is a non-profit organization founded in 2003 with the mission to develop public access to Detroit’s riverfront and serve as an anchor for economic development. As the permanent stewards of the Riverwalk and associated greenways, the Conservancy is responsible for raising the funds needed for construction, operation, maintenance, security and programming of the public spaces located along the riverfront. The ultimate vision is for the Conservancy to develop five-and-a-half miles of riverfront from the Ambassador Bridge on the west to Gabriel Richard Park, just east of the MacArthur Bridge to Belle Isle. Visit www.detroitriverfront.org for more information.
Project Play of Southeast Michigan
Project Play Southeast Michigan is a regional initiative powered by the Aspen Institute and supported by the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation. We work to expand access to quality, community-based youth sports and physical activity. Our mission is to ensure all children, regardless of zip code or ability, have the opportunity to be active through sports, recreation, and play.
