Pine Bend Kids Get Chance of a Lifetime to Learn Healthy Lifestyle From Vikings

Editor's note: The following is a portion of a press release.

As part of a national movement to improve student health and wellness, Midwest Dairy Council and the Minnesota Vikings rallied with student leaders in the Fuel Up to Play 60 program on Apr. 23 as part of Training Day 2012.

More than 150 student leaders and their advisors—including those from —joined forces on Mall of America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome to celebrate their accomplishments, share ideas and experience the excitement of the program.

"We’re excited to team with Midwest Dairy Council on the Fuel Up to Play 60 for another successful Training Day," MN Vikings Chief Marketing Officer Steve LaCroix said. "Our goal is for participants to take the lessons they learn about proper nutrition and physical activity back to their classrooms and playgrounds in order to help make future generations healthier." 

The hands-on, educational event included working with Minnesota Vikings player Asher Allen, former Vikings player Matt Blair, , Viktor the Viking and Midwest Dairy Council health and wellness experts.

Training Day 2012 inspired the student leaders to encourage their peers to make healthier food choices and commit to 60 minutes of activity each day as part of Fuel Up to Play 60, an in-school nutrition and physical activity program launched by the National Dairy Council, the NFL and the US Dept. of Agriculture.

The program enjoys participation from more than 70,000 schools nationwide and more than 1,250 schools across Minnesota. It's primary focus is to encourage youths to consume nutrient-rich foods and achieve at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

Student leaders participated in an on-field HOPSports physical activity session, ran through the Vikings ship and onto the field with Viktor the Viking.

Kids also heard from KFAN’s Chris Hawkey and WCCO’s Mike Max.

The invitation-only event featured students and schools selected for their performance and outstanding excellence in the program during the 2011-2012 academic year.