Kids of all ages across metro Detroit will have a chance to try out a plethora of sports and earn prizes at the Detroit Riverfront this weekend during the fourth annual Detroit Youth Sports Day Showcase.
The free event, presented by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and Project Play: Southeast Michigan, takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, located at 1801 W. Jefferson, on Saturday, Aug. 15, and requires registration.
This year’s showcase offers youths the opportunity to try baseball, football, chess, skating, lacrosse, breakdancing and other sports across various stations throughout the park. Participants will also be able to take advantage of free sports physicals and vaccines provided by Henry Ford Health.
“The Detroit Youth Sports Showcase is about opening doors for young people to experience sports in a fun, welcoming environment,” program manager for Project Play: Southeast Michigan Rickey Jackson said in statement. “By bringing together a variety of youth sports organizations in one place, kids have the opportunity to try something new, discover what they enjoy and find an activity that keeps them active for years to come.”
Many local organizations and sports teams will host stations including the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Clark Park Coalition, Detroit Sports Commission, Great Lakes Regional Field Hockey, YMCA Metro Detroit and more.
“Every year, the Detroit Youth Sports Showcase grows in attendance, so we are expecting another busy event filled with families looking to have some fun and to get active on the riverfront,” Detroit Riverfront Conservancy director of visitor experience Addison Mauck said in a statement. “With so many different sports from local organizations to experience, there truly is something for everyone to try.”
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Participants also have a chance to win prizes including Detroit Tigers tickets, by grabbing a bingo card and visiting all the stations.
This year’s event serves as the conclusion of the Metro Detroit Youth Day 2.026 event, presented by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit. The “reimagination” changed the showcase from a one-day event to week-long end of summer celebration across six locations including Belle Ise, Eastern Market and Michigan Central.
Free parking provided by Bedrock is available in the Assembly Garage, located at 1701 W. Lafayette Blvd. Families can also park for free along Jefferson Avenue and other surrounding streets.
To register for the event, visit the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy website.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Free event offers kids a chance to try sports, chess, breakdancing