Tuj Lub courts at Keller Regional Park
With roughly 70,000 residents, Minnesota is home to the largest Hmong population in the United States. The top spinning game of Tuj Lub (pronounced - too loo) has its roots in Southeast Asia and holds cultural significance to the Hmong community. Formal Tuj Lub courts, constructed near a multi-shelter picnic area at Keller Regional Park, seek
$300,000 the first year is for a competitive grants program to provide grants to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Minnesota.With roughly 70,000 residents, Minnesota is home to the largest Hmong population in the United States. The top spinning game of Tuj Lub (pronounced - too loo) has its roots in Southeast Asia and holds cultural significance to the Hmong community. Formal Tuj Lub courts, constructed near a multi-shelter picnic area at Keller Regional Park, seek to preserve the history and rich cultural heritage of communities originating from Southeast Asia.The Minnesota Humanities Center shall operate a competitive grants program to provide grants for programs, including but not limited to: music, film, television, radio, recreation, or the design and use of public spaces that preserves and honors the cultural heritage of Minnesota. Grants made under this paragraph must not be used for travel costs inside or outside of the state.
1. Provide a venue for which to practice, teach and pass along a Hmong top spinning game2. Preserve this aspect of the Hmong culture3. Provide a diverse park amenity for use by generations to come4. Build cultural acceptance, community pride, respect and understanding5. Encourage play that provides skill development and sportsmanship
The main outcome is the finished construction of three Tuj Lub courts where there were none before. The courts will be utilized next summer after a fall and spring growing period for the grass that was seeded and sodded. At that time we will be able to track the use of the courts.The Groundbreaking ceremony on September 16, 2015 saw over 500 people in attendance. During a demonstration day, hundreds turned out to show staff how the game is played. But first there were speeches, a dinner, and toasts of the eldersThe Grand Opening scheduled for June 10, 2017 is expected to draw thousands of interested people. This demonstrates the excitement within the community for the establishment of these courts.