The inspiring event to feature legendary speakers from across the country in the sports including Barry Sanders, Jemele Hill, Calvin Johnson Jr. Eddie George, Adam Schefter and more.
DETROIT – APRIL 22, 2024 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) and Jerome Bettis “Bus Stops Here Foundation” announces the roster of speakers to take the stage during the 3C Sports Conference starting Wednesday, April 24th – Friday April 26th. The inaugural three-day conference, which is expected to bring in over 1,000 attendees, will address important topics like Name Image Likeness (NIL), mental and behavioral health, the over-monetization of sports and more.
“I’m overwhelmed with the level of support for our joint effort to disrupt and reclaim youth sports for our children!” said Shawn. H. Wilson, President and CEO of BGCSM. “The 3C Sports Conference is an important first step in building a community of parents, coaches and players committed to fostering a healthy culture for our youth. We’re putting youth first and providing them with a world class experience during the NFL draft! “
The immersive event features a revolutionary lineup of athletic hall of famers, professional head coaches and players, sports analysts, sports reporters, and youth sports innovators in the realm of behavioral health, youth development, entrepreneurship and more.
“Sports taught me invaluable lessons, and now it’s time to pay it forward,” said Jerome Bettis. “I’m excited to share insights with a phenomenal group of panelists and guests at the 3C Sports Conference with Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, shaping a brighter future for our kids.”
Highlights of speakers include:
- Jerome Bettis, NFL Hall of Famer, founder of Bus Stops Here Foundation
- Barry Sander, NFL Hall of Fame Running Back, Detroit Lions
- Brian Kelly, Head Coach LSU Football
- Jemele Hill, Emmy Award Winning Journalist
- Adam Schefter, ESPN Sportswriter and Reporter
- Cynthia Frelund, NFL Media Analytics Expert
- Kevin Colbert, Former General Manager, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Eddie George, Former NFL Player, Head Coach, Tennessee State University
- Pep Hamilton, NFL Network
- Hiram Jackson, CEO of Real Times Media
- Joe Tate, Speaker of the House, Michigan State Representative
- Donovan Dooley, Owner and President QB University
- Kari Pardoe, Program Officer, Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation
- Shawn H. Wilson, BGCSM President and CEO
- Tiffany Abrego, BGCSM Executive Director of Behavioral Health
- Alim McNeill, Defensive tackle, Detroit Lions
- Bryce Underwood, LSU Commit
- Jeanae Terry, Purdue Women’s Basketball
- Darrell Johnson, Grand Valley State, Wide Receiver
- Semaj J. Morgan, U of M Wide Receiver
- Jyaire Hill, U of M Defensive Back
- Jeremiah Beasley, U of M Linebacker
This dynamic event will take place across the city of Detroit with the VIP Reception happening at The Garden Theater, the ‘Coaches Track’ will take place at BGCSM’s Diehl Club and Youth/Parents Track will take place at BGCSM Dauch Club. The conference is supported by the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, and Project Play and is aimed at educating, informing, and inspiring players, parents, and coaches with an emphasis on fostering healthy Community, Culture, and Competition within youth sports.
A roster of confirmed speakers can be found on the BGCSM.org
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About Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
Founded in 1926, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan (BGCSM) serves 15,000 youth, families, and entrepreneurs annually in neighborhoods throughout Southeastern Michigan. BGCSM has reimagined the future of after-school programming by focusing on the root cause of issues facing our community, which is poverty. BGCSM’s mission is to ensure youth leave our Clubs career, start up and homeowner ready.
About Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis is a Super Bowl Champion and Pro Football Hall of Famer. He is among the best NFL running backs of all time. Bettis is also among one of the nine NFL players in its history who rushed for 13,000 yards. In January 2006, Jerome finished his NFL career after 13 seasons. He immediately retired after the 21-10 win of Pittsburgh Steelers on the Seattle Seahawks in his hometown, Detroit, in the Super Bowl XL game.
About Bus Stops Here Foundation
The Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation is working to provide education, sports, technology, and recreational opportunities to the underprivileged youth of the inner-city. We aim to help them improve their quality of life through our mentoring and programs to become enlightened, healthy, skilled, and productive individuals. Through our resources and experienced assistance, we provide financially challenged youth with a sense of purpose, motivation, and confidence, which helps them put their optimal efforts forward in whatever they do in their lives.