Lynx Partner with UnitedHealthcare and Special Olympics Minnesota

The Minnesota Lynx, in collaboration with UnitedHealthcare and Special Olympics Minnesota, have announced the formation of the 2025 “Jr. Lynx Dream Team.”

This initiative involves 11 honorary team members from Highland Park Middle School in St. Paul, aiming to increase inclusion and provide mentorship through basketball.

Emphasising the insurer’s commitment to the program, CEO of UnitedHealthcare Medicare & Retirement, Bobby Hunter, said: “The power of inclusion and the importance of creating opportunities for every individual to shine is central to our mission at UnitedHealthcare.”

“The Jr. Lynx Dream Team exemplifies what can be achieved when we unite to celebrate ability, confidence, and community,” Hunter said.

vice president of Development Relations for Special Olympics Minnesota, Mark Anderson, added: “We are deeply thankful for partners like the Minnesota Lynx and UnitedHealthcare that champion the power of inclusion in sports.”

“The positive impact they have on the lives of Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners will resonate long after this season,” Anderson mentioned. 

Timberwolves and Lynx chief impact officer, Jennifer Ridgeway, concluded: “We are honoured to host the Jr. Lynx Dream Team in partnership with UnitedHealthcare and Special Olympics Minnesota.”

“This programme highlights the powerful influence our team’s platform can have and reflects our unwavering commitment to making a community impact,” she concluded.

The Jr. Lynx Dream Team will be recognised on-court during a halftime ceremony when the Lynx play the Washington Mystics on August 8.

The program launch features an introductory press conference where the young members signed one-day contracts with Lynx head coach and president of Basketball Operations, Cheryl Reeve, followed by a “Player for a Day” experience.

Preceding the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which will be held in the Twin Cities next June. The Games are projected to host over 4,000 athletes and 1,500 coaches from across the U.S.

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