Drake hosts appreciation night at Astros game

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Grammy Award-winning artist Drake kicked off his three-day Houston Appreciation Weekend (HAW) event with a special Houston Appreciation Night at Minute Maid Park on Thursday, June 12.

Prior to the Astros game vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks, Drake hosted more than 50 children from the Astros Urban Youth Academy and RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program for a special pregame meet and greet where he provided the children with dinner and tickets to the game.

Drake has deep roots in Houston, the city that helped launch his music career and where he began building his empire with the encouragement of long-time Astros supporter and community activist, Bun B, among others. Drake has been outspoken and unwavering in his support of Houston-based organizations, sports teams and initiatives.

The critically-acclaimed artist also has a deep passion for empowering and improving the lives of children.

The Astros Urban Youth Academy (UYA) is run by the Astros Foundation and provides free baseball and softball instruction, life skills training and academic support to Houston youth, with a focus on serving inner-city and at-risk children and teens. Baseball and softball camps, clinics and other activities are provided by experienced instructors. UYA staff also provides mentoring, leadership development and assistance with the college application process. The UYA's doors are open year-round free of charge to youngsters age 7 to 17 from the Houston area.

The Astros Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program uses the sport of baseball and softball to promote healthy choices and valuable life skills including respect for others, non-violent conflict resolution, teamwork and resistance to drugs and alcohol, while learning and playing America's favorite pastime.