DETROIT- In a longstanding tradition between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Detroit Tigers, today marked the annual Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Day at Comerica Park, the home of the Tigers. Today’s baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Baltimore Orioles signifies a 23-year partnership between ATF, and the Detroit Tigers Organization that works to promote the anti-gang program.
“The Detroit Tigers Organization has dedicated a game each year to the G.R.E.A.T. program and by doing so continue to demonstrate the team’s commitment to Michigan’s children," said S. Robin Shoemaker, special agent in charge of the Detroit Field Division. “ATF and the Detroit Tigers would like to thank the Detroit Police Department for their enduring commitment and support of the G.R.E.A.T. program. Most importantly, we would like to thank the students for their dedication and hard work throughout the year for taking the pledge to live a life free of the negative influences of street gangs."
Approximately 300 students from Detroit Public Schools attended the game, dressed in their G.R.E.A.T t-shirts to affirm their effort to avoid gangs and youth violence.
Others attending the game in support of the G.R.E.A.T program include Acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Curtis Brunson, Assistant United States Attorney Matt Roth, Detroit Police Chief James Craig and ATF G.R.E.A.T Program Outreach Manager Warren Harding.
With the support of specially trained law enforcement officers, G.R.E.A.T. students learn to set goals, resist peer pressure, respect differences, resolve conflicts, and understand how gangs can negatively influence their quality of life. The 13-week curriculum also teaches students at the elementary and middle school level the importance of becoming responsible members of their communities. Since its inception, G.R.E.A.T. has graduated more than 7 million students.
For more information on the program, visit G.R.E.A.T at http://www.great-online.org.
