Minnesota United and first team partner Allianz continued their commitment to the Twin Cities community this past week by volunteering in the ninth annual Washburn Games. The Northwest Minneapolis community and the Washburn Center for Children welcomed families to spend the day partaking in noncompetitive sports and raising money for therapeutic care for children who are dealing with mental health challenges.

Members of the club’s first team and front office and their families were there to help, including Sporting Director Manny Lagos’ entire clan. PK made the rounds throughout the park, jumping rope and encouraging every kid to get out and have fun. Mental health is as important to overall well-being as physical health, and the Washburn helps children develop skills to be successful at home, in school and in the community.

Volunteers spent the day checking off more than 20 activities on a score card in the Bryn Mawr Meadows park, including dribbling a soccer ball through an obstacle course, enjoying music in the park from Bato Bato Marimba Ensemble and learning how to serve and set a volleyball as the check off each activity on a score card. A half-mile fun run capped off the day’s activities before a prize drawing and closing ceremony closed out the event.

Minnesota United and Allianz both believe that they succeed through supporting and through the support of the community, and events like the Washburn Games give them a terrific opportunity to help establish healthy habits for children in Minnesota.