Deserving Military Children Surprised by Polaris and Minnesota Vikings Stars Adam Thielen & Kyle Rudolph with ‘Salute to Service’ Game Tickets and a Youth Off-Road Vehicle
MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 18, 2017 – Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) joined forces with the Minnesota Vikings and United Heroes League to celebrate service members, veterans and their families. Six children from five deserving families were selected by United Heroes League to participate in the Polaris’ Salute to Military Kids event and to be recognized by the Minnesota Vikings at its Salute to Service game on Nov. 19.
Polaris also is donating five percent of proceeds from all Polaris ACE® 150 EFI sales in November and December, up to $20,000, to United Heroes League.
On Nov. 7, the six kids, ranging in ages from 12 to 14, spent a dream day riding youth-sized, off-road Polaris vehicles at the company’s research and development facility in Wyoming, Minnesota. A Polaris driving instructor worked with each child to teach them how to safely operate the vehicle, along with proper off-road driving techniques. At the end of the day, Polaris surprised the kids with keys to their own youth-sized Polaris vehicle. The kids could choose from a Polaris Outlaw® 110 EFI, ACE® 150 EFI, RZR® 170 EFI, Sportsman® 110 EFI and Phoenix® 200.
More surprises were in store for the kids when the Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and tight end Kyle Rudolph stopped by to meet the families and invite them to the Vikings Salute to Service game.
“We can never truly repay our active military members for the sacrifices they make on our behalf, but it can be easy to overlook the sacrifices their kids are also making, and that’s why it was so gratifying to be able to do something in honor of them,” said Thielen. “It was such a privilege to spend some time with these five incredible families, and I look forward to honoring them at our Salute to Service Game.”
Among the families who will be honored during the game are active and former service members of Minnesota Army and Minnesota Air National Guard. The kids, and their families, are a part of the United Heroes League organization that aims to empower military kids to stay healthy and active, and supports veterans and active duty service members battling the financial burden associated with sports.
“Our mission focuses on empowering our military families to stay healthy and active. Today was a shining example of families enjoying a fantastic activity that peaks all of their interests,” said Ben Mattson, chief marketing officer for United Heroes League. “We cannot thank Polaris or the Vikings organizations enough for this tremendous gift. These military families will never forget this day!”
“United Heroes League helps military kids receive the support and resources they deserve while their parents are serving our country,” said Kyle Duea vice president of marketing for Off-Road Vehicles at Polaris. “We are honored to have helped these five families create lasting memories, and look forward to continuing to help support United Heroes League and its worthy mission through the rest of our Salute to Military Kids giveback campaign.”
United Heroes League helps to keep military kids engages and active in sports throughout all 50 states through grants, free skill development camps and equipment, and game tickets to professional sporting events.
More information on Polaris’ Salute to Military Kids and ways to support United Heroes League is available at www.polaris.com/uhl.
