Belle Tire has iced a partnership agreement with a hockey equipment manufacturer to co-sponsor the Belle Tire Hockey Club – Michigan’s largest youth organization of this type. “This is a great example of two local companies coming together to give back to the community,” says Don Barnes III, director of the Belle Tire Hockey Club who also serves as the retailer’s operations and marketing manager. Belle has supported the endeavor since its inception in 1997, helping to teach more than 5,000 young skaters sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork. The Belle enterprise features more teams – and has won more championships – than any other hockey club in Michigan. Warrior Sports of Warren, Mich. will assist the efforts by subsidizing both travel and equipment costs, enabling players on the Belle club’s 27 travel-teams, eight house-teams and novice hockey program to take advantage of top-quality hockey products, according to Barnes. “Warrior Sports has a legendary reputation in the Detroit area and beyond, and we’re proud to join forces to encourage youth recreation,” he points out. “A partner like Warrior ensures our program will continue its success for many more years.” “Michigan’s youth hockey registration numbers are among the highest in the nation, and the state hosts prestigious travel programs that earn consistent national success at every age level,” reports David Morrow, Warrior’s CEO. “We believe every kid should have an opportunity to play a sport, and Belle Tire’s hockey club provides a fun, safe and competitive environment for youth to learn skills and develop their athletic talents.” Belle has also reached an agreement allowing the club to call the local Taylor Sportsplex their new home: The children and young adults will now practice and play at a state-of-the-art facility featuring two NHL-sized hockey rinks. Family-owned and operated Belle Tire is based in Allen Park, Mich. The company has 80 tire and windshield repair and replacement stores throughout Michigan and Ohio. For more information, visit www.belletire.com. | 
