Detroit Pistons Unveil Half-Court Outdoor Basketball Court At HAVEN
DETROIT, Mich. – July 19, 2016 – The Detroit Pistons and HAVEN today unveiled a new half-court outdoor basketball court at the community organization's rehabilitation facility in Pontiac, MI that services women and youth. HAVEN serves as Oakland County's only comprehensive program for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. The facility benefits nearly 30,000 people in Oakland County and the surrounding area each year.
Financial commitments provided by Pistons owner Tom Gores, PS&E Vice Chairman Arn Tellem and the Detroit Pistons Foundation funded the cost of building a new half-court outdoor basketball court, which did not previously exist at HAVEN's facility. The court will benefit more than 250 children each year and serve as an important part of HAVEN's play-based therapy initiative that helps children cope with domestic abuse and violence affecting their lives at a young age.
"We're pleased to support HAVEN and promote the recovery of women and children affected by violence," said PS&E Vice Chairman Arn Tellem. "Tom and I believe recreation can be used as a therapeutic tool, and this new court provides the youth at HAVEN an outlet to enjoy basketball and remain physically active. We support HAVEN's play-based therapy to help youngsters, especially teenage boys and girls, hurt by willful intimidation, emotional abuse, and physical, sexual and psychological violence."
Recently opened in January 2016, the 36,000 square-foot HAVEN campus supports women and children affected by violence and assault. The facilities include space and services for medical examinations, legal support, personal counseling, empowerment classes, job training, art and play therapy, sexual assault and domestic abuse support groups and 16 bedrooms for families.
"Offering a safe place for the nearly 250 kids that stay in our shelter to simply be kids is critical to helping them cope with the violence they've experienced," said Rachel Decker, Executive Director of HAVEN Foundation and Director of Development for HAVEN. "The basketball court will be an integral part of our efforts to provide kids with what they want and deserve the most – a childhood that is safe and fun. We are grateful for the support of Tom Gores, Arn Tellem and the Detroit Pistons Foundation for ensuring that the court became a reality."
The outdoor 30-foot by 50-foot court, manufactured by Sport Court, is made of the highest quality and most durable materials accessible. It features patented PowerGame modular flooring, and delivers the best combination of shock absorption, ball response, traction and playability available for outdoor basketball courts.
