Lions debut Living for the City community program
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Posted: 09/18/2012
DETROIT - The Lions are refocusing their efforts in the community and are partnering with five organizations to make a deeper impact.
"Living for the City" is the title of the Lions new community initiative. The program will highlight sustainable community health, wellness, and development.
The Lions are partnering with Playworks, Eastern Market, Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit, Hatch Detroit, and Lions Academy.
Monday, Team President Tom Lewand made the announcement at Eastern Market. He was joined by quarterback Matthew Stafford, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, Detroit mayor Dave Bing, and Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee.
"This is special because it's different for us. It's a way for us to focus strategically what we're doing in the community,'' Lewand said.
"This can put us in a position to be tremendous impactful the other 340 days we're not playing football."
Lewand said some inspiration behind the program came to the organization when Matthew Stafford accepted his 2011 ESPY Award for Comeback Player of the Year.
In the speech, Stafford said he was proud to share the award with the city of Detroit. The Lions quarterback said the city is "on a comeback of his own."
"I truly enjoy being here in Detroit, the people here are fantastic. That's what makes me want to give back and help out," he said Monday.
Students from the Lions Academy were on hand at Eastern Market, as a part of the new program, and the NFL's Play 60 effort. They had the opportunity to play four square and jump rope with the Lions stars.
"Every time you get to come out and see the smiles on the kids' faces from meeting you, that's big for those guys. I haven't played kickball since I was ten. It turned me into a kid again," Johnson said.
As part of Living for the City, additional partner collaborations are planned throughout the year, including Eastern Market having space at Ford Field where vendors can sell fresh produce to Lions fans and Lions Play 60 offering pre-game, on-field events for kids.
Brad Galli is a Sports Reporter for WXYZ Detroit. Follow Brad on Twitter @BradGalli .
Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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