Metro Detroiters Invited to Make History August 20 as Dodge Brand Presents World Record-Breaking Dodgeball Game in Detroit

DETROIT, MI, August 12, 2011 (Press-News.org) The sponsors and founders of "Dodgeball in the D" invite Metro Detroiters of all ages, ethnicities and zip codes to come together to positively showcase Detroit by participating in a world record-breaking dodgeball game. Presented by the Dodge brand, organizers expect "Dodgeball in the D" and surrounding family festival activities to draw more than 5,000 people to historic Belle Isle Park in Detroit on Saturday, August 20, 2011.

The dodgeball game begins at 1 p.m. on Belle Isle with other family-friendly activities running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to all "Dodgeball in the D" events is free and includes giveaways and food samples from sponsors, while supplies last. Those wishing to participate in the world record-breaking game itself must register in advance at http://www.DodgeballintheD.com. Additional volunteers and sponsors are still needed. Information on these opportunities also is available at http://www.DodgeballintheD.com.

"'Dodgeball in the D' is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of history and do something great for Detroit," said Justin Jacobs, 28, who created "Dodgeball in the D" with fellow Detroiter Marlowe Stoudamire, 34. "'Locally, we know Detroit is a great place to live, work, and play, but across the country, not enough people are aware of the opportunities Detroit has to offer, socially and professionally."

In addition to the game, "Dodgeball in the D" will feature free food, entertainment, information and more for Metro Detroiters of all ages. Activities are divided into five "Xperience" zones: After-School Programs, Non-Profit, Health & Wellness, Family Fun and Sports. Joining the Dodge brand in sponsoring the event are regional business anchors Henry Ford Health System, Crain's Detroit Business, Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and the Detroit Red Wings.

"'Dodgeball in the D' will show the world the very best of Detroit, not just that we know how to have fun, but that we can work together to achieve great things, regardless of age, ethnicity or religion," Stoudamire said. "We want to smash the current record and bring some positive attention to Detroit. To do it, we need more sponsors, more volunteers and more players. From local barbershops to executive boardrooms, we're asking all Metro Detroiters to step up and help us make it happen."

"Dodgeball in the D" is a collaborative effort of several Detroit nonprofit and community organizations led by Detroit Harmonie, ComePlayDetroit, The Youth Connection and Unlimited Xperiences Detroit. Stoudamire is founder of Unlimited Xperiences Detroit. Jacobs is founder of ComePlayDetroit. The event will be held in conjunction with the Youth Connection's 10th Annual After-School Fair.

All activities are free and include: Detroit Red Wings interactive fan experience, Henry Ford Health System career experience, appearance by NHRA Funny Car Racer and Detroit native Brian Olatunji, inflatables, Detroit Fire Department fire truck, caricatures, video games, face painting, health screenings, live DJ, youth sports clinics and demonstrations, singing and dancing demonstrations and more.

The dodgeball game will feature two teams constructed of players of all ages, with younger children facing opponents of similar ages to avoid injuries. In case of an emergency, medical services will be available on site. Organizers will document the game according to the standards of Guinness World Records and submit the attempt to Guinness auditors for world-record consideration.

Follow "Dodgeball in the D" on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/DodgeballintheD.


About Detroit Harmonie:
Detroit Harmonie is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit agency whose mission is to provide one cohesive voice for the diverse population of young professionals across Southeastern Michigan to create an environment that will attract and retain
the next generation.

About ComePlayDetroit:
ComePlayDetroit (CPD) was founded in February of 2010 to create a unique and active social experience for young
professionals in Metro Detroit. CPD operates as a low-profit limited liability company (L3C) with the primary goal of
improving the community and creating more opportunities for young adults to be socially engaged in Detroit.

About The Youth Connection:
The Youth Connection (TYC), a 501(c)3 non-profit agency, works to connect our youth to a brighter future. We work to increase participation in after-school programs and provide substance abuse prevention education, nutrition and
exercise programming and year-round opportunities for youth to explore careers and develop job skills.

About Unlimited Xperiences Detroit:
Founded in 2010, Unlimited Experiences Detroit is a series of events that tour metro-Detroit to "XPERIENCE" venues
and offerings of great food, music, arts & culture, community-giving, and personal/professional growth through a
variation of activities, unique concepts and experiential learning.

MEDIA CONTACT: Zak Walsh, (248) 254-6786, zwalsh@tannerfriedman.com

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