[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 117 (Wednesday, July 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E964-E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN RECOGNITION OF THE 35TH ANNUAL METRO DETROIT YOUTH DAY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 12, 2017

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the organizers 
and participants of the 35th annual Metro Detroit Youth Day. This 
annual event provides southeast Michigan youth with a day of fun, games 
and opportunities to engage with local officials and role models.
  Originally started in 1981 to promote stronger relations between 
residents of Detroit and the business community, Metro Youth Day has 
expanded significantly and now provides approximately 35,000 Detroit-
area children with a day of education and recreation on Belle Isle in 
the Detroit River. As the largest youth event in the State of Michigan, 
Metro Youth Day hosts over 360 organizations and 260 businesses from 
Metro Detroit to provide participants with opportunities to build 
connections with civic leaders and nonprofit groups. These include Grow 
Detroit Youth Talent, an organization that provides summer jobs for 
young people in Detroit, as well as educational events by local 
community groups. Youth Day also offers college scholarships to several 
dozen graduating high school students each year.
  Metro Detroit Youth Day helps build a culture of civic engagement 
while also providing important resources and educational resources to 
area youth. The event has received widespread acclaim, including a 
Point of Light Award from President George H.W. Bush, as well as a 
Michigan Governor's Award on Physical Fitness for its promotion of 
physical activity and health. These accolades underscore the positive 
impact that Metro Youth Day has on the Detroit community. Additionally, 
the event has provided more than 1,800 college scholarships to 
graduating seniors since 1991, making it an important engine of 
opportunity for area youth. These efforts have helped create a stronger 
and more cohesive Detroit, and it is my hope that Metro Youth Day 
continues to grow and serve the Detroit area youth while promoting 
improved community relations in the coming years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
organizers and participants of the 35th annual Metro Detroit Youth Day. 
The event provides important resources and opportunities for 
participants.

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