Helping Twin Cities youth stay active this summer while making health a priority


Helping kids stay active

Osman Hernandez looks forward to coming to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities’ East Side Club every week. The 17-year-old enjoys spending time with friends but, most of all, he loves getting a chance to use the sports equipment at the facility.

“Having the opportunity to come here to play volleyball is really important because it gets us out of the house,” Osman said. “It gives us something to do. It keeps us active and provides a good team bonding experience.”

Thanks to a recent UnitedHealthcare donation, Osman and other youth who attend the club will be able to enjoy new equipment to play sports, exercise and stay active all summer long.

The donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities includes items such as volleyballs, basketballs, jump ropes and yoga mats to help encourage youth and teens to live a healthier lifestyle and reduce childhood obesity. Childhood obesity remains a serious issue in the United States, affecting 1 in 5 children and adolescents and contributing to potential health issues such as type 2 diabetes.

UnitedHealthcare donated a total of $60,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, like in the Twin Cities, for new sports equipment.

“The donation gets me really excited to play volleyball and come to the Boys & Girls Club more often because the equipment we have is a little older,” Osman said. “The new equipment revives our spirit to play the game.”

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