Minnesota Vikings Donate $15,000 for Fitness Equipment

The Minnesota Vikings, through NFL Charities, have contributed $15,000 to the East Lake Street Salvation Army in Minneapolis for a new Vikings-themed “Fitness Zone.”

A check presentation held Dec. 23 featured defensive tackle Fred Evans, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie and Vikings mascot Viktor, all of whom used yellow paint to autograph and leave their handprint on a decorative purple wall. View a video of the event.

The Fitness Zone includes fitness games and exercise equipment manufactured by Strive Enterprises, which has partnered with the program “NFL Play 60: The NFL Movement for an Active Generation.” This program encourages young people to be active for at least 60 minutes a day.

“This is an important addition to our facility,” said Captain Kevin Cedervall, administrator of the East Lake Street Salvation Army. “We go to great lengths to give area children a safe place to play in a very tough neighborhood. Being in the heart of the business district we have no green space, so providing physical activity is a challenge.  This donation couldn’t have come at a better time.”

More than a dozen children served by the East Lake Street facility were on hand to try out the equipment and eat lunch with Evans and McKinnie. 

View photos of the event.