7th Annual Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays to Bring a Bit of Beijing [Olympics] to Motown April 30, 2011

DETROIT, April 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 7th Annual Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays bring the prestige of the World Olympic Games to Detroit's Renaissance high school. On April 30, track and field athletes from Midwest schools will descend upon the city for the showdown in Motown.

Becoming an Olympian is the ultimate achievement for an athlete. Reflecting on life as an athlete, trying to escape the everyday potential pitfalls of growing up in his Detroit neighborhood, Robert Shumake recognizes the struggles that keep many talented young people from achieving their goals. The prominent Detroit business leader envisioned an event that would combine his passion for track and field and his dedication to creating opportunities through athletics and academics. Drawing from his own dreams of competing in the Olympic games he formed the Robert S. Shumake Scholarship Relays as a fun yet competitive way for high school athletes to showcase their talents and to win academic scholarships.

Track and field athletes marvel at the level of talent and excellence displayed by the talented U.S. Olympic team and anticipate the day their own talents will lead them beyond their neighborhoods and allow them to compete at the Olympics like Medalists Lashawn Merritt, Angelo Taylor, and Jeremy Wariner.

This motivated Shumake to transform his relays from the customary track meet to an environment that evokes the prestige of the Beijing Olympic games. Expert officials operate the relays and jumbotrons are incorporated to broadcast scores and events.

In its 7th year, the Shumake Relays have generated much excitement among the track and field community. Participants are eager for the upscale nature of the event and the prospect that they may be the next to walk away the recipient of a Shumake academic scholarship or that their coach might be awarded the coveted 'Baton of Excellence'; earning a them a year of bragging rights. Other unique Shumake Relays attributes such as the grilled turkey legs and celebrity appearances cause attract much attention.

Shumake's dedication to providing students a top-tier forum to showcase their talents, continues to pave the way for the next great star both on and off the track field. Over 7K youth have participated in the relays, the Shumake Foundation has awarded in excess of $50K in scholarships.

To register visit http://www.shumakerelays.com. Media contact: Trea Day PR at 678-327-8281 or [email protected].

SOURCE Robert S. Shumake Foundation