200 kids to celebrate Dr. King's dream by Dreaming Big with the Detroit Pistons
Adriane Davis
| 2 min read
Four kids from four metro Detroit organizations will have a taste of what it’s like to have a dream come true this Monday, Jan. 20. These four lucky young people will serve as “ball kids” for the day when the Detroit Pistons take on the L.A. Clippers at the Palace of Auburn Hills. In celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Pistons will host more than 200 kids as part of the NBA’s “Dream Big” program. Kids from the Boys and Girls Club, Detroit PAL, YMCA and the Detroit Branch of the NAACP will be special guests of the two organizations, as they watch the Pistons battle the L.A. Clippers. During the game, the four participants will shag basketballs for the team, take a photo with a Pistons player and receive an autographed item prior to tip-off. After the game, all participating youth will take to the court in a free throw shoot around. Shirts and backpacks, courtesy of the Blues, containing the NBA “Dream Big” logo, will be given to all of the participants. In addition to enjoying an afternoon participating in healthy behaviors, the kids will enjoy a nutritious lunch consisting of a sandwich, baked chips, celery/carrots and a bottle of water. Upon entry to the game, all attendees will receive a “Dream Big” cheer card honoring Dr. King that fans can hold up throughout the event to show their support for his important message. The cards will include facts on Dr. King’s legacy, as well as information about Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan’s continuing focus on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle from a young age. Kids attending the game will also receive an Andre Drummond growth chart. Since 2004, the Blues have invested $5.8 million to help get kids healthy and active, all working to prevent childhood obesity. In 2009, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan started an elementary school-based program, called Building Healthy Communities, impacting more than 35,000 children in 83 schools to learn to make healthier choices and be more physically active. Photo credit:
