The Detroit Pistons and the YMCA are celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day as part of the NBA’s “Dream Big” program. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Pistons are hosting 200 kids from the Y and three other local organizations: Boys And Girls Club, Detroit PAL, and the Detroit branch of the NAACP at the 1 p.m. game against the Clippers.
And four lucky kids, one from each group, will be ball boys (or girls!) for the team. That means they get to catch errant balls, hang out courtside, and will also get an autographed item and take a photo with a Pistons player before the game. All of the young guests will receive a shirt and backpack, as well as a healthy lunch with a sandwich, baked chips, and carrots. Afterwards, the kids will be able to take Palace court for a shoot-around. It’s meant to encourage healthy activity and make lifetime memories for the kids who attend.
Everyone attending the game will receive a “Dream Big” cheer card including important facts about Dr. King, which they can use to show support for his message. All kids attending the game will also get an Andre Drummond growth chart. Blue Cross Blue Shield chose the YMCA as one of the organizations invited to the game because the Y works to teach children about a healthy lifestyle. That’s an important goal of BCBS as well.
“When children are physically active and eat right, they can accomplish more, whether it’s in the classroom, playing sports or simply being creative,” said Andrew Hetzel, BCBSM vice president for corporate communications.
Can’t make the game? Kids can still have healthy fun with the Y. Most branches are hosting camps that day so that parents who have to work have a safe, positive place for their kids to play.