Spring Is Here... At

League Of Their Own

PALM

BEACH

Pat i o & C a s u a l F u r n i t u r e

ComePlayDetroit participants marry as
registration opens for summer leagues.

Robin Schwartz | Contributing Writer

S

he noticed right away that he
coordinates and manages more than
was an amazing bowler. But
100 intramural athletic leagues.
Denise Cykiert,
The group’s sponsors
29, of Novi had no
include Quicken Loans,
idea where that chance
Wallside Windows,
bowling match would
Northwestern Mutual and
lead. It was the winter
NEXTGen Detroit.
of 2012. The registered
“This will be our sev-
dietician joined a bowl-
enth summer and by far
ing league with some
our largest session,” says
girlfriends “just for
ComePlayDetroit founder
fun” through the group
Justin Jacobs. “That’s
ComePlayDetroit, which
mainly due to the grow-
offers a variety of intra-
ing demand for programs
Denise and Avi Knopf
mural sports leagues in
thanks to the companies
of Novi
the city and surround-
employing more people in
ing areas. On June 19,
the city.”
she walked down the aisle with Avi
In 2015, ComePlayDetroit was award-
Knopf, 26, also of Novi, that amazing
ed a seven-year contract from the state
bowler who caught her eye.
of Michigan to maintain, manage and
“Avi joined the league as a ‘free agent’ operate the sports fields and facilities on
and was placed on a random team,”
Belle Isle. This summer, coed kickball,
she recalls. “He knew no one but really
softball, flag football and bubble soccer,
wanted to join a serious league and
which is sure to draw attention, will
meet new people.”
take place there. The sport is similar
The two chatted at Hartfield Lanes in to traditional soccer, but players wear
Berkley every week, but Cykiert says she large, clear, plastic air-filled bubbles that
was “completely oblivious” he was inter- cover their upper bodies. Participants
ested in dating. One day, he asked her to try to score goals while bouncing off
meet for coffee, and the rest is history.
of their opponents and off the ground.
“Ever since the first time I laid eyes
This is the first year the eye-catching
on her, I could not help but look around sport is being offered.
for her at the bowling alley,” Avi says.
ComePlayDetroit is leading a $10 mil-
“I will never forget how excited I was
lion fundraising campaign with the goal
when she said she would join me for a
of renovating the entire Belle Isle athletic
first date — I thought she was out of my complex. So far, they have received state
league.”
and federal grants and commitments
The couple plan to bowl as Mr. and
from the Detroit Lions and the NFL.
Mrs. Avi Knopf this winter.
They are still actively seeking private
“We now bowl together,” Denise says. donations to upgrade four existing fields
“He made sure to coach me and acces-
and build new facilities.
sorize me with my own leopard print
“Our leagues are a catalyst for a
ball, snazzy shoes and matching bag. I
healthy and active community,” Jacobs
never thought I would meet anyone, let
says. “If we want the best and bright-
alone my soul mate, on a sports league.” est to consider Detroit for their next
job opportunity, people look for more
GEARING UP FOR SUMMER
than just a high-paying job; they want
Kickball, softball, volleyball, basketball,
a dynamic lifestyle. We help create that
even something called “bubble soc-
lifestyle in Detroit with more than 12
cer” will soon be in full swing on Belle
different sports being offered six days a
Isle, in Campus Martius Park, at Joe
week.”
Dumars Fieldhouse, along the Detroit
Riverwalk and other locations across
To register for ComePlayDetroit’s
the city. Registration is now open for
summer leagues or for more infor-
ComePlayDetroit’s summer leagues,
mation, visit www.comeplaydetroit.
which begin in mid-July.
com. Costs range from $40-$150,
Established in 2010 with sup-
depending on the league.
port from the Jewish Federation of
Metropolitan Detroit, ComePlayDetroit

*

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(248)-666-2880

2081900

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West Bloomfield, MI 48322
(Inside Orchard Mall)
(248) 737-2666

2107110

June 23 • 2016

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