Michigan Child and his basketball team with #MIKidsCan Pistons VIP Experience

On Sunday, March 19, 11-year-old Caleb Neubecker and his basketball team, the Mount Pleasant Oilers, will watch the Detroit Pistons take on the Phoenix Suns and join Hooper’s birthday celebration as the winners of the 2017 #MIKidsCan Pistons VIP Experience, sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and the Detroit Pistons. Hooper, the Detroit Pistons mascot, will be accompanied by his mascot friends from various Michigan teams as part of the birthday festivities, to participate in a special meet and greet with Caleb and his team.

Caleb Neubecker was chosen from more than 200 entries to the #MIKidsCan Pistons VIP Experience contest. All entrants were required to submit an answer to the question, “How has basketball helped you live a healthier life?” The contest, opened to players between the ages of eight and 18, aims to highlight the importance of children’s health. The National Council of Youth Sports reports that children who participate in team activities are exposed to a wide range of physical, emotional, social and educational benefits. As part of the #MIKidsCan Pistons VIP Experience, Caleb and his team will enjoy:

· A VIP pre-game experience in the President’s Club

· Meet and greet with a Pistons player, Hooper and his mascot friends

· Game tickets for up to 14 members of the team and chaperones to watch the Detroit Pistons play against the Phoenix Suns

The #MIKidsCan Pistons VIP Experience supports Blue Cross’s ongoing commitment to encouraging kids to establish healthy habits early in life that are more likely to be carried into adulthood. Over the last 11 years, Blue Cross has given more than $6.5 million in support of kids’ health and wellness initiatives across the state, reaching over 230,000 children in more than 500 schools. For more information on the sweepstakes or Blue Cross’ ongoing efforts to help improve childhood health, visit AHealthierMichigan.org/mikidscan or follow #MIKidsCan on Twitter.