Alexander Shun

Web Editor Associate | @alexpshun 

 The Minnesota Lynx wrapped up a berth in the 2015 WNBA Playoffs on Tuesday night by defeating the San Antonio Stars 83-76. However, in the second quarter, the Lynx took a moment to recognize an organization that does so many great things outside of basketball.

Playworks, “…believes in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid and the way that we do that is by placing a coach in each of our partner schools to ensure that our recess is inclusive, and safe and that kids are coming back to class ready to learn.”

Playworks started 20 years ago in Oakland, California in just two schools and is now located in 23 regions throughout the country, serves over 500,000 students and preparing to expand and grow once again, particularly in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area.

Having worked with the Minnesota Timberwolves in previous years at their Fit Clinics, Playworks is now partnered with the Lynx and the pairing is a good one at that.

“Just having the opportunity to come out here at a Lynx game with people who support play and sports is great,” said Playworks Development Manager Nick Boerum, speaking about the partnership with the Lynx. “People are now getting to know Playworks more and recognizing who we are and what we’re doing in the cities.”

The Lynx are truly proud to have such a great partner in the Playworks organization and, to recognize and reward the good that Playworks does locally, Minnesota Lynx Director of Business Operations Carley Knox presented Boerum, on behalf of Playworks Minnesota, with a grant for $4,000.

“It definitely means a lot,” said Boerum, when asked about receiving such an honor from the Lynx. “Every grant that we receive goes straight into our program and straight into the students that we’re serving so it’s fantastic that [the Lynx] are able to both contribute funds through that grant, as well as give us the opportunity to come out on court and introduce ourselves to their great fans.”

Boerum is hoping that the Lynx’s involvement with Playworks is far from finished, mentioning that Lynx players or coaches could help with future events, if they had the time.

“We would love to have Coach Reeve or some of the players come out and check out our program. We have a girl’s basketball league so I think they’d fit right in.”