Mankato, MN (January 23, 2024) — The Hockey Day Minnesota (HDM) 2022 Grow the Game Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation announced its first grant supporting the mission of growing the game of youth hockey in the Greater Mankato Area. 

 Mankato Adapted Floor Hockey will receive $6,000 to support its program, comprised of both Mankato West and East high school students. The program is relatively new and was a welcome addition to the adaptive bowling—the only extracurricular activity offered to students in special education. 

Even though it’s only the third season for the recently named “Knights,” the team has achieved much success by missing the state tournament by one game last year. The team anticipates a state appearance for the 2023-2024 season. 

“The committee is excited and proud to award the first grant from the Hockey Day Minnesota, 2022, Grow the Game Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation.  The fund was established through the generous community support and sponsorship of Hockey Day Minnesota, 2022 and this grant supports our mission of growing the game and providing opportunities for our youth, said Michelle Schooff, HDM 2022 Co-chair. “Since Minnesota is the State of Hockey, we celebrate and encourage programs that reinforce that hockey is for everyone and demonstrates that “This is How We Hockey,” in Southern Minnesota.”

About the Mankato Area Foundation

The Mankato Area Foundation is a donor-driven community foundation whose purpose is to improve the livability in Greater Mankato through philanthropy. Our community foundation connects donors with causes they care about, provides funding to address key community objectives and convenes individuals and organizations to find solutions for local challenges.

To learn more about the Mankato Area Foundation and how the organization makes an impact on this region visit www.mankatoareafoundation.com or visit us on Facebook.