AUBURN HILLS, Mich. – The Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter will honor Ray and Leslie Martin with The Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes Award. On April 4, the Martins will be recognized on The Palace court at halftime of the Pistons’ 7:30 p.m. game against the Chicago Bulls. Freman Hendrix, board chair with the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter and former Detroit Pistons player John Long will honor the Martins with a Michigan Heroes medal at center court for their hard work in providing a safe learning environment that promotes teamwork, self respect, pride and leadership for the youth of Detroit.

Ray and Leslie Martin founded the Rosedale Grandmont Youth Basketball League in 1993 when there was no other youth instructional league within the City of Detroit. Since opening in 1993, the purpose of the league has been to provide a safe environment for children where they can learn the proper fundamentals of basketball and the importance of teamwork. Operating from October through March, the league also aims to build self-confidence and allow children to enhance their roles in the community.

“Fifteen years ago, there were no youth instructional leagues for five and six year olds,” said Leslie Martin. “A group of parents, including Ray and I, decided to form a youth recreational league.” The league serves over 400 youth each year. A majority of them move on to enroll in college, while others have gone on to become founders of their own teams, helping the league grow. The sole operation of Rosedale Grandmont Youth Basketball League completely relies on an all-volunteer staff that includes the administrators, coordinators, referees and coaches, such as Tina Fields who nominated Ray and Leslie for the Michigan Hero Award.

“Ray and Leslie teach children how to play and enjoy the game,” says Fields. “ When I moved to Michigan, I wanted to involve my son in sports, but I didn’t want it to be competitive. What’s so nice about this league is that everyone gets to play no matter how good or bad you are at the game. I admire Ray and Leslie because they both have full time jobs and are still committed to the league, even though their son is now in college.”

In its third year, the Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes Program encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Pistons home game during the 2006-2007 season.

To nominate a hero, who can come from any walk of life, fans only need to complete an on-line nomination form at www.pistons.com, or send name(s), address, phone number and name of school or organization to:

“Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes”
The Palace of Auburn Hills -- Five Championship Drive -- Auburn Hills, MI 48326

All nominators will be entered for the chance to win an autographed 8x10 Pistons starter photo

Only one entry per person per email address per household will be accepted. Please see www.pistons.com for a complete list of rules/regulations and additional information. For more information on the Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes program or to purchase tickets for any upcoming home game, please contact The Palace at (248) 377-0100 or visit www.pistons.com.