Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation and Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan to unveil first of its kind report
WHAT: Following eight months of thorough research on youth sports participation in Southeast Michigan, and input from over one thousand local voices, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and the Aspen Institute will unveil the findings from the first regional assessment of its kind, the State of Play.
The State of Play report assesses the level of access and participation for youth sports in the region, including types of programs, facilities and quality. It also provides recommendations and opportunities for ways to improve, by working together as a community.
VISUALS: Representatives from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Aspen Institute will be joined by dozens of community stakeholders as they unveil the study’s findings and start the conversation to improve the state of youth sports in Southeast Michigan.
In addition, the Hamtramk Warriors youth soccer club will be participating in a Detroit City Football Club youth clinic on the field prior to the program.
WHO: David Egner, President & CEO, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. FoundationMary Wilson, Life Trustee, Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. FoundationMariam Noland, President & CEO, Community Foundation for Southeast MichiganTom Farrey, Executive Director, Aspen Institute Sports & Society ProgramAnuja Rajendra, Member, Southeast Michigan Youth Sports Task ForceDerrick Coleman, NBA All-Star and Detroit native
WHEN: Wednesday, June 28 – 10 a.m. guest arrival/ 10:30 a.m. program
WHERE: Keyworth Stadium - 3201 Roosevelt Street, Hamtramck, MI 48212
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CONTACTS: Lauren Herrin, Marx Layne – 248.961.3676, lherrin@marxlayne.com Carly Strachan, RCWJRF – 313.460.8100, carly.strachan@rcwjrf.org
About the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation:
The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation is a grantmaking organization dedicated primarily to sustained investment in the quality of life of the people of Southeast Michigan and Western New York. The two areas reflect Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.’s devotion to his hometown of Detroit and greater Buffalo, home of his Buffalo Bills franchise. Prior to his passing in 2014, Mr. Wilson requested that a significant share of his estate be used to continue a life-long generosity of spirit by funding the Foundation that bears his name. The Foundation has a grant making capacity of $1.2 billion over a 20-year period, which expires January 8, 2035. This structure is consistent with Mr. Wilson’s desire for the Foundation’s impact to be immediate, substantial, measurable and overseen by those who knew him best. For more information visit www.rcwjrf.org.
About the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan
The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan is a full-service philanthropic organization leading the way to positive change in our region. As a permanent community endowment built by gifts from thousands of individuals and organizations, the Foundation supports a wide variety of activities benefiting education, arts and culture, health, human services, community development, and civic affairs. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed nearly $902 million through more than 60,000 grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe, Washtenaw, St. Clair, and Livingston counties. For more information, please visit www.cfsem.org.About the Aspen InstituteThe Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. More: www.aspeninstitute.org
About the Aspen Institute Sports & Society ProgramThe mission of the Sports & Society Program is to convene leaders, facilitate dialogue and inspire solutions that help sports serve the public interest. The program provides a venue for thought leadership where knowledge can be deepened and breakthrough strategies explored on a range of issues. More: www.SportsAndSociety.org
About Project PlayThe Aspen Institute Project Play is a multi-stage effort to provide stakeholders with the thought leadership to help sport build healthy communities, starting with access to a quality sport activity for all children. Its reports have been used by more than 100 organizations, from professional leagues to grassroots providers to community foundations, to introduce programs or shape strategies related to youth and sports. More: www.ProjectPlay.us