
On Tuesday, August 19 many of our mentor teams traveled to
Lansing for a special event. The day started with a visit to the home of Michigan State Basketball, the
Breslin Student Events Center. Our tour guides showed us the practice gyms, trophy showcases, the main arena (including the freshly polished basketball floor), and also the Coaches’ Offices. Men’s Basketball
Assistant Coach Dwayne Stephens spoke to our group in the official team film-review room. Assistant Coach Stephens praised our mentees for committing to physical activity despite all of the current technologies that can often distract youth from being active. After eating lunch, we headed to the Capitol. Our group saw the House and Senate floors and even Governor Granholm’s ceremonial office. We ended our trip with a wonderful reception at the Governor’s Residence. Program sponsors, legislators and other dignitaries including the
First Gentleman Dan Mulhern,
Surgeon General Dr. Kimberlydawn Wisdom,
Director of the Michigan Department of Community Health Janet Olszewski, and
Executive Director of the Michigan Community Service Commission Musette Michael. Each team was fitted for running shoes by staff from Playmakers, and also received one piece of the 2008 team uniform.