At Sunrise Banks, our customers play a central role in creating thriving, vibrant communities. We are proud to share their stories and viewpoints on how they are contributing to the wellbeing of those they serve.

V3 Sports, a community fitness and wellness hub in north Minneapolis, opened its doors in summer 2024. Sunrise Banks played a key financial role in opening the center, providing a New Markets Tax Credit allocation for the project. Recently, we caught up with Malik Rucker, the executive director of V3 Sports in north Minneapolis.

What impact have you seen in your community since opening The V3 Center?

Since opening The V3 Center, I have seen something powerful happen. We have become a true anchor in the community.

People are not just coming here to work out or use the Genesis pool. They are coming here because they feel safe, seen and connected. That sense of belonging is real, and you can feel it when you walk through our doors.

I’ve also seen stronger alignment between V3 Sports and local businesses. We are building alongside our neighbors. The energy inside The V3 Center spills out into the community. It drives traffic, creates opportunity and strengthens the local ecosystem.

What matters most to me is that we are not just operating a facility. We are elevating our community through wellness, fitness, and education. The impact reaches beyond our walls. That is what we set out to do.

What initiatives are you currently working on?

Right now, we are focused on getting better at what we already do well.

We have built a strong foundation. This season is really about sharpening execution, increasing consistency, and ensuring every program delivers measurable impact. At V3 Sports, how you do one thing is how you do everything. We take that seriously.

One initiative I am especially proud of is our partnership with Outdoor Afro, a national non-profit partner that celebrates and inspires Black connections and leadership in nature. Through that partnership, we are expanding access to swim lessons and water safety education with free and subsidized opportunities. Water safety saves lives.  Expanded access is not optional for us. It is a responsibility.

We are also investing heavily in the member experience. When someone walks into The V3 Center, I want them to feel like they are part of something bigger than a gym. I want them to feel ownership. Pride. Connection. Culture over everything.

What are your plans for the future (i.e. phase two expansion at V3)?

From day one, our vision has been bold and intentional. The V3 Center is designed to be both a community anchor and a regional destination.

Phase I established The V3 Center as a 40,000-square-foot hub for fitness, wellness, and education. The next phase will complete the vision.

Phase II includes multiuse courts that can host athletic and large-scale community events, an elevated track, and expanded space for the John W. Hardeman III Boys and Girls Club, a 50-meter, 10-lane pool that previously served as the showcase pool for the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials.

This expansion is about sustainability. It is about building an economic engine that supports North Minneapolis while positioning V3 Sports to host events that bring regional and national attention to our community. We are building for long-term impact.

How has your organization responded to the needs in your community during the recent ICE surge?

During the recent ICE surge, we made a clear decision – we were going to show up, not pull back.

We launched February Unplugged and opened our doors for free activations throughout The V3 Center. Families were carrying stress, fear, and uncertainty. We wanted to provide space to move, connect, and breathe.

Our team also leaned into our role as a community hub. We provided space for resources and support while maintaining consistent programming. Stability matters in moments like that.

At V3 Sports, what is right is right. We do not respond with statements alone. We respond with action, remain steady and remain present. That is our leadership.

What does it mean to you and your organization to recognize and celebrate Black History Month?

Black History Month is deeply personal for me and the foundation for V3 Sports.

We are a Black-led organization rooted in North Minneapolis. Celebrating Black leadership, excellence, and resilience is not something we do for 28 days. It is embedded in how we operate year-round.

Events like Victory Leaders allows us to spotlight the individuals shaping our community right now. Black history is not only something we reflect on. It is something we are actively building.

For us, honoring Black History Month means continuing the work. Investing in opportunity. Elevating leaders. Creating access. And making sure the next generation sees themselves reflected in spaces of excellence.

Learn more about how Sunrise Banks supports nonprofits like V3 Sports at https://sunrisebanks.com/nonprofit-banking.

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