Marines host basketball tournament in Detroit

Photo By Sgt. Julien Rodarte | The winning team from the girls (age 12-19); 3 vs 3 basketball tournament pose with their awards in downtown Detroit as part of Marine Week Detroit, Sept. 9, 2017. More than 700 Marines are participating in Marine Week Detroit to give the citizens of the greater Detroit area the opportunity to meet their Marines and celebrate community, country and Corps.  

DETROIT, MI, UNITED STATES

09.09.2017

Story by Cpl. Julien Rodarte 

Defense Media Activity - Marines

Girls from throughout the local school districts participated, going head-to-head in a friendly bracket style tournament.

The main focus of the tournament was to strengthen the friendship between the people of Detroit and the Marine Corps and to empower the local youth.

"Our goal at an event like this was to teach them teamwork, social skills, empower them with confidence, and create a friendly environment of competition”, said Maj. Leigh Ross, Marine Corps Recruiting Command action officer for Marine Week Detroit.

Even though the games were highly competitive, the athletes laughed and maintained good sportsmanship throughout.

“I had a lot of fun today, and it was great meeting the Marines,” said Ryann Maddox, 12, a tournament participant.

Throughout the course of the week, the Marines will be conducting similar events to help Detroit citizens better understand the mission of the Marine Corps and to promote a greater relationship between Marines and the people of Detroit.

“This has been a completely rewarding experience all week long, being able to get in the schools and out to communities to see the impact we have on the youth of Detroit and hopefully provide some motivation and encouragement to these kids”, said Ross.

• Date Taken: 09.09.2017
• Date Posted: 09.09.2017 18:37
• Story ID: 247594
• Location: DETROIT, MI, US