Mayor Sheffield kicks off 10-week Occupy the Summer program by giving out 700 free bikes; announcing teams for Late Night Basketball League

• Occupy the Summer launch kicks offering 10 weeks for activities across Detroit, more than 1,500 youth have registered
• Mayor Sheffield distributes 700 bikes to Detroit youth, ages 18 and under, thanks to donations from Sterling Group and Amazon
• Late Night Basketball teams announced; 135 players received free jerseys

Mayor Mary Sheffield today kicked off her signature Occupy the Summer activity series today at the Adams Butzel Recreation Center by giving away more than 700 free bikes to Detroit's youth and announcing the teams that will make up the inaugural Late Night Basketball league.

Occupy the Summer is a 10-week program that builds on the success of the Occupy the Corner initiative Mayor Sheffield established while on City Council. This expanded effort is a targeted citywide approach focused on youth and civic engagement, neighborhood activation, and violence prevention throughout the summer months. Occupy the Summer is a major piece of the Mayor's six-point community safety plan she announced in April.

The kickoff event was a celebration of community, that also featured live entertainment from Detroit rapper Skilla Baby, family-friendly carnival rides, and on-site access to supportive resources. The kickoff event also includes the announcement of the Late Night Basketball League teams along with the distribution of the team jerseys.

"This is what Occupy the Summer is all about - coming together as a community to provide positive, fun filled activities for our youth while they are out of school and resources to help support strong families," said Mayor Sheffield. "This initiative is about making sure every young person has a place to belong, positive outlets to explore, and a community that supports their success. Throughout the summer, we will continue expanding opportunities that keep our youth engaged, empowered, and connected as we build a safer, stronger Detroit together."

700 free bikes for youth ages 18 and younger

The bike giveaway tradition began during Madam Mayor's 'Occupy the Corner' events during her tenure on City Council will continue throughout the Occupy the Summer Signature Events. This year's giveaway was made possible thanks to the generous support from title sponsors like Sterling Group, Amazon, and Ally. As well as local partners like Mike's Garage for donating skateboards and supplying the bikes for the giveaway.

"The bike giveaway was always one of the most anticipated highlights of our Occupy the Corner Kick-off, and families consistently looked forward to it year after year," said Mayor Mary Sheffield. "As we launch Occupy the Summer, it was important to continue this tradition because a bike is more than a gift. It provides transportation, independence, recreation, and another opportunity for our youth to stay active, connected, and engaged in their communities. It was imperative to bring this tradition back for the kickoff of Occupy the Summer."

Late Night Basketball tips off Saturday

The Late Night Basketball League for young adults ages 16-30 with structured play, mentorship, and wraparound services operating across three regions of the city. Perks of joining include free jerseys, shoes and haircuts. Late Night Leagues occur at the following locations:

• East (Heilmann Recreation Center)
• West (Adams Butzel Recreation Center)
• Southwest (Kemeny Recreation Center)

The men's league will play every Saturday starting June 13th. The season will be 7 weeks and both the men's and women's league will culminate in a championship game at the end of the season.

Pickup Location will be at three locations:

• Northwest Activity Center, 18100 Meyers Rd, Detroit, MI 48235
• Coleman A. Young Rec Center, 2751 Robert Bradby Dr, Detroit, MI 48207
• Kemeny Rec Center, 2260 S Fort St, Detroit, MI 48217

Occupy the Summer introduce several new components including:

Extended Recreation Center Hours at Crowell, Adams Butzel, Kemeny, Farwell, Heilmann, Butzel Family, Coleman Young, Helen Moore, and Northwest Activities Center on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. All 9 locations will remain open until 11 p.m. throughout the summer.

Weekly Friday Activations in neighborhoods across each City Council district similar to the Occupy the Corner series, featuring community activities, city resources, local vendors, and cultural programming. As plans for each are finalized, details will be available at OccupyTheSummer.com.

THE SUMMER FRIDAYS LINEUP

Fridays at 5 - 8 p.m.

• June 12 - Occupy the Summer Kick-off / Adams Butzel
• June 19 - Juneteenth Celebration / Crowell Recreation Center
• July 10 - Skate Night with Royal Skateland / Corrigan Park
• July 17 - Sports Night / Lasky Recreation Center
• July 19 (Sunday) - HOOPFEST in Partnership w/NW Goldberg Cares/Curtis Jones Park
• July 24 - Small Business and Sheff Tank Pitch Competition / Stoepel 2 (W. Chicago)
• July 31 - Arts & Culture Night / Clark Park
• August 7 - Bike Night / Joe Louis Greenway Pavillion (8034 W. Warren)
• August 14 - Finale in Partnership with Metro Detroit Youth Day / Diehl Club

Details for all activities can be found at OccupyTheSummer.com.