Timberwolves, Lynx and YMCA announce partnership agreement
Wolves, Lynx & YMCA Announce Partnership Agreement
Minneapolis/St. Paul The Minnesota Timberwolves, Lynx and YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities announced on Friday a new partnership agreement that combines efforts to support outreach programs focused on social responsibility, youth development, healthy living and member benefits. The Timberwolves will host a special halftime ceremony during tonights game to kick off and recognize the new partnership.
"This partnership is a great fit for our organizations," said Timberwolves and Lynx President Chris Wright. "Our teams and the YMCA share many of the same core values around community engagement and youth development, so it makes sense to combine our resources and maximize our impact in the Twin Cities."
Some highlights of the partnership include the Timberwolves hosting several clinics concentrated on youth basketball, coaches, and health and wellness at various Y locations. Timberwolves Basketball Academy manager Steve Brown will lead several summer basketball clinics that will feature special dunk shows from Wolves mascot Crunch. Through the partnership, all YMCA Youth Basketball Program participants will receive a co-branded Timberwolves and Y jersey as well as a ticket to a Wolves game.
This partnership with the Timberwolves and Lynx is especially exciting for us as basketball was actually invented at the Y back in 1891, said YMCA CEO Glen Gunderson. Together, we can teach kids to play ball, and have them out being active and learning new skills, building confidence and having fun, rather than sitting in front of a video screen. This partnership leverages the work of the Y in our communities in many ways.
The Timberwolves will host YMCA Night at Target Center that will include several elements to promote the organizations membership, mentorship and programming. Two Y youth teams will have the opportunity to play a basketball game on the main court prior to the Wolves tip. The youth basketball participants will also receive a post-game autograph session with a Wolves player.
Since the organizations each have dedicated community outreach programs, the collaborative partnership will present Timberwolves/Lynx employees and Y members with additional opportunities to volunteer and get involved in the community.
The new partnership offers Y members exclusive offers and discounted Timberwolves and Lynx tickets, with a portion of the proceeds going back to the 21 Y locations to fund community programming. Additional information on this partnership will be available at timberwolves.com and ymcatwincities.org.
Contact information:
Kylie Crull, Minnesota Timberwolves, (612) 673-8409, crull@timberwolves.com
