Mankato, Minnesota – The Mankato MoonDogs, Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union and Mankato Area Public Schools Community Education & Recreation have again partnered this summer for the MoonDogs Fit Program. Started in 2013, the program has had great success over the last four years. Due to the amount of community impact and local presence, it will be renewed for another three years.

Each summer MoonDogs Fit gives MoonDogs players the opportunity to visit ACES locations throughout the Mankato area and step off of the field and into the classroom. ACES is kindergarten through seventh grade, summer program for children in District 77.

Players get the opportunity to teach Mankato’s Youth lessons including eating healthy, being physically active, what it means to be a team player, and practicing good sportsmanship.

Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union is eager to sponsor again. “As a community based credit union we recognize the importance of teaching healthy choices in all aspects of life. MoonDogs Fit and ACES help to keep the youth active and involved in our community as well as providing positive adult role models. At Minnesota Valley Federal Credit Union we’re proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish in the last four years of MoonDogs Fit” said Assistant Project Coordinator, Brittany Johnson.

MoonDogs General Manager, Greg Weis said, “MoonDogs Fit is one of the most rewarding things I’ve been able to be a part of in my time with the MoonDogs. My favorite memory has to be seeing a kid point at a player on the field and say ‘that’s my favorite MoonDog teacher’ I think that just shows how much of an impact this program has on our community’s kids.”

“Partnerships like this really benefit the children," said ACES School Age Care Coordinator, Andrea Greenwald. “First of all, the children love getting to meet the players!  Getting to see the baseball players lead the lessons and play games with the children is very exciting. The players are truly great role models for the children in our community. Additionally, sponsors provide a t-shirt and ticket to a MoonDog's game to end the MoonDog's Fit program. They get to see their favorite “teachers” in action on the field! Without sponsorships, some of our students maybe wouldn't have the opportunity to do so. Our partnership really brings our community together in and fun and fit way!”

This summer there will be eight programs and facilities part of MoonDogs Fit: Bridges/Monroe Elementary, Eagle Lake Elementary, Franklin Elementary, Hoover Elementary, Kennedy Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Rosa Parks Elementary, and Prairie Winds Middle School.

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The Mankato MoonDogs are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. Playing its 23rd season of summer collegiate baseball, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 18 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 150 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM), Lucas Duda (NYM) and Ben Zobrist (CHC). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visitwww.mankatomoondogs.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store and set the MoonDogs as your favorite team.

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The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. The 23-year old summer collegiate league is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 20 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, more than 160 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including two-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champion Ben Zobrist (CHC) and MLB All-Stars Chris Sale (CWS), Jordan Zimmermann (DET), Curtis Granderson (NYM) and Lucas Duda (NYM). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. For more information, visit www.northwoodsleague.com or download the Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play.