University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Participate in Kids in the City Event
5/11/2010 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
University of Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletics had up to 30 student-athletes participate in the Kids in the City event, today at TCF Bank Stadium on the U of M campus. The event, which was hosted by the Boys and Girls Club as well as Fox Sports Net North, had over 300 kids from the program and the marked the first time held at TCF Bank Stadium.
The 2010 event was the sixth annual Kids in the City, and the sixth-straight year Gopher Athletics has been in attendance. Kids in the City serves as a fundraiser, showcases the FOX Sports North Youth All-Star Program and celebrates the achievements of Boys and Girls Club members throughout the Twin Cities. Minnesota Twins outfielder Michael Cuddyer served as the event’s emcee for the third year consecutive year. Along with the Gopher participants and Cuddyer, the kids met with Minnesota Vikings’ Cullen Loeffler, Minnesota Stars’ soccer players Melvin Tarley and Simone Bracalello and U.S. National Soccer team member Tony Sanneh. Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders, and mascots T.C. Bear, Crunch, Nordy, Goldy Gopher, Buzz, Viktor the Viking and Mudonna were also in attendance.
The U of M had a wide variety of student athletes at TCF, including the sports of football, men's and women's basketball, women's hockey, men's and women's swimming and diving, golf, baseball, rowing, track & field and volleyball.
The first part of the event began at 5:30 p.m. and included interactive games and activities (jump rope, ring toss, soccer, basketball), celebrity autographs, photos and a silent auction in the Benton County entrance. At 6:30 p.m., the event moved to the DQ Club Room where kids and adults enjoyed dinner, program featuring live entertainment by the Boys & Girls Clubs, an awards presentation to the FOX Sports North All-Stars and an appearance by the 2010 Minnesota Youth of the Year.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities (BGCTC) represent more than 75 years of service to youth. The Clubs provide activities and support to more than 14,000 young people, ages 6-18. With eight inner-city locations, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities is one of only a few local organizations dedicated specifically to youth development.
University of Minnesota Athletics has done over 7,000 hours of community service during this academic season. Led by the CHAMPS/Life Skills department, Gopher Athletics has had all 25 sports contribute to community service this season.
