The clinic ran from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. High school coaches from across the metro area instructed youth coaches on a variety of subjects, including fundamentals, concussion awareness, proper equipment fitting and communicating with players and parents.Former Vikings running back Chuck Foreman served as the keynote speaker. 

Vikings fans can participate in some new excitement with the introduction of the Minnesota Vikings scratch lotto game. The $10 Minnesota State Lottery ticket will be sold statewide at Minnesota Lottery retailers. There is a $200,000 top prize, with a second chance to win a VIP season ticket package. Players also can earn points to redeem for Vikings merchandise. As with all games offered by the Minnesota State Lottery, sales of the Minnesota Vikings Scratch Game will help the Lottery maximize its annual contribution to the state, which supports critical environmental funding and the General Fund. To celebrate the new scratch game, the Lottery has joined efforts with John Randle, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle and soon-to-be Hall of Fame inductee. Through this partnership, John Randle will be featured in two television commercials for the scratch game. Randle also will be featured in two radio commercials for the game.

The 16th annual Ride for Life, which benefits the Vikings Children’s Fund,  Mall of America Field at the H.H.H. Metrodome. Current and former Vikings players, cheerleaders and Viktor the Viking signed autographs and Red Bull Team Rider Aaron Colton  performed motorcycle stunt exhibition shows at 9:45 and 10:40 a.m. in the main parking lot. 
Day of registration  at 8:30 a.m. The cost to participate is a $10 donation to the Vikings Children’s Fund. Over $20,000 in prizes including $5,000 in cash, will be awarded. 
At 11:30 a.m., all bikes will depart on a 24-mile trek to Shakopee, MN. All motorcycles are welcome to participate in the Ride for Life. This event is supported by the Minneapolis Police Department and A.B.A.T.E. of Minnesota.

The MN Vikings and the Mpls Park and Recreation Board are teaming up to offer a 5K run/walk at Lake Nokomis in Mpls. Proceeds go to the MN Viking’s Children’s Fund which donates the money to the Minneapolis Park and Rec Board Youth Athletic Programs. This family event will offer something for everyone. There will be Viking player and cheerleader appearances with autograph opportunities for registered runners. Children will be able to enjoy a fun run and other activities during the event.

The E.J. Henderson Youth Foundation (HYF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization utilizing a holistic approach to improve the overall well-being of urban youth. HYF’s Urban Youth Outreach program provides an opportunity to youth struggling to find purpose and direction. The organization provides guidance-oriented programs that emphasize the importance of having a sound Mind, Body and Soul.

Aaron Henderson is throwing a party this wednesday at Lifetime Fitness in Eden Prairie from 4pm to 8pm to benefit the EJ Henderson Youth Foundation. There will be BBQ and just hanging out by the pool.  All donations benefit the youth foundation. See ya there!

Vikings coaches, players and staff members participated today in the team’s fifth-annual playground build. This year, the Vikings and community partner Toro built a playground for Nellie Stone Johnson Community School in North Minneapolis.
Players and coaches also visited classrooms and offered encouragement, posed for pictures with students and signed autographs. The Vikings are no strangers to charitable events and giving back to communities, but coach Brad Childress especially enjoys the annual playground build.
“Everybody does some little facet, whether it’s (visiting) the Children’s Hospital, meals on wheels, homeless shelters, you can go on and on about what our guys are about,” Childress said. “But in terms of the whole organization kind of lending a hand, I think it’s the best.”
The dozens of players on hand included Pat Williams, Kevin Williams, E.J. Henderson, Visanthe Shiancoe, Chad Greenway, Ben Leber, and Bryant McKinnie.
Said Kevin Williams: “It’s great to come out. These kids work so hard in school and then to come out and help give them a playground, it’s real nice. It’s a chance to get the whole team pretty much together and come out as a group thing and give back to the community. It’s a nice thing to treat the kids.”