Youngsters representing Detroit Public Schools will showcase their fitness and art talents during a daylong competition at the Frederick C. Matthaei Physical Education Center on the Wayne State University campus.

The Detroit Inner-City Games (ICG) Annual Celebration, named in memory of William J. Beckham, will be held on Friday, June 29. Sponsored by the Skillman Foundation and supporting sponsor Wayne State University, the event is expected to draw more than 2100 youth ages 6-14.

Serving under the Inner-City Games Foundation, a national initiative created in 1995, the Detroit ICG carries forth the mission of providing opportunities for inner-city youth to participate in sports, educational and community enrichment programs. Such a mission or goal has been embraced by Wayne State University through its campus-wide allocation of resources to this program.

"We are proud to be a partner and supporting sponsor of the Detroit Inner- City Games and serve as the host site to over 2100 participating youngsters. This major youth event of the Detroit 300 celebration is also an example of our commitment to enriching the community and playing a vital role in the development of Detroit and our youth," said Wayne State President Irvin D. Reid. President Reid also serves as a Detroit 300 commissioner.

Chaired by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the national Inner-City Games Foundation activities are hosted in 15 major U.S. cities and serve more than 500,000 youngsters. This year the ICG event has joined a cadre of other activities signaling Detroit's 300th birthday.

Among the athletic events held throughout the day are the following: 100-yard dash, shuttle runs, standing long jump, frisbee contest, softball throw, fitness obstacle course, spot shot contest (basketball shooting), and basketball obstacle course.

A performing arts show will also be available to showcase local performing arts by area youth. All of these activities and events will require more than 400 volunteers, many from the Wayne State community.

Highlights of the Detroit ICG festivities will be the opening and closing ceremonies featuring Detroit area bands, parades, dignitaries and the awarding of medals to the finalists.

During the opening ceremony, scheduled at 9:00 a.m., speakers and dignitaries will include: Charles R. Bantz, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, Wayne State University; Edsel Ford, chair, Detroit 300; Mark Turman, executive director, Governor's Council on Physical Fitness; Kari Schlachtenhaufen, president, Skillman Foundation; Charles Beckham, representative of the Beckham family; and Dennis Archer, mayor, City of Detroit.

Speakers and dignitaries slated for the closing ceremonies at 3:00 p.m. include: Kenneth Burnley, chief executive officer, Detroit public schools; and Dick Posthumus, lieutenant governor, State of Michigan. Arnold Schwarzenegger is scheduled to make an appearance and offer the keynote address.

Wayne State University Provost, Charles Bantz, commented on the university's extensive involvement in the Inner-City Games. "The scope and goals of the Games require significant commitment on the part of all sponsors and volunteers. Wayne State's collaborative effort in this endeavor, through our volunteers and allocation of campus-wide resources, reflects our resolve to serve the Detroit community."