Thousands upon thousands of visitors flood through the doors of The Palace of Auburn Hills to take their seats watching an array of sports and entertainment. Many will never have the luxury of getting near the same floor their favorite basketball team has played on, though.
For members of Clarkston Area Youth Assistance’s Mentors Plus program, Aug. 9 proved to be a different opportunity. The program assembled a basketball team to play against Deaf CAN Youth Leadership program from Sylvan Lake. The game, organized by AT&T and the Detroit Shock, gave the players a unique chance to scrimmage on the famed basketball court.
‘Teenage kids really look up to the teams that play here,? said Carmen Johnson, director of external affairs for AT&T. ‘To play here is an opportunity they can’t pass on.
‘AT&T believes in the non-profit organizations it supports. For them, this a great opportunity.?
The event was the second annual and took two weeks to organize with the groups and the Palace.
Naron McDougal, 16, who played for Clarkston’s freshman team last year, was floored by the invitation to the Palace.
‘I was kind of shocked, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,? he said.
Oakland County Youth Assistance Program Supervisor Pat Breen, along with Perry McNeill, whose son played in the game, coached the mentors? team.
‘It’s good for the kids, the venue is great,? McNeill said. ‘To have the opportunity to play on the same floor as the Pistons is a big opportunity for them.?
‘They’re excited, especially walking down the hall in the back corridor,? Breen said. ‘Some of them were acting like they were being interviewed already.?
Look for more photos from the event in a photo gallery at www.clarkstonnews.com.