When Major League Baseball’s 2025 spring training season officially began, it was also time for everyone’s other favorite purple dinosaur to make an appearance in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, the Colorado Rockies’ mascot, Dinger. 

On February 12, Salt River Schools’ students and their families gathered underneath the Salt River Education Services ramada as they waited for SRPMIC President Martin Harvier to continue his, “Moving with Martin” healthy lifestyle and active movement program for the new year. The healthy activity program took a brief hiatus during the holiday season. 

In the days leading up to the event, the students colored on the official “Moving with Martin” animated logo of Harvier and decorated the hallways of Salt River Elementary School. 

Additionally, each participant of the series received a commemorative purple t-shirt. “I’ve been asked to participate in the run today,” began Harvier. “You know what organ keeps your blood flowing? The i:bdag!”

Once president said the word “heart” in O’odham, all the school children raised their signs that had the animated logo of Harvier. “Also, it’s ‘iiwaa’ for the Piipaash,” he added. 

Moments later, Dinger ran out and gave hugs and high-fives to the students and their families in attendance. As Dinger made his way to greet everyone, the students were delighted when Dinger performed the “griddy dance,” a popular dance from social media. 

Also joining Dinger was Wiley and Violet Wolf from The Great Wolf Lodge. Together, the three mascots and Harvier joined students at the starting line on Highland Avenue to complete their lap. 

Among those meeting them at the finish line with high fives and cheers was SRPMIC Council member Jacob Butler and Heaven Sepulveda, school board member and recent doctoral graduate from Arizona State University. 

Following the completion of their lap, students and their families were treated to free water and popsicles, compliments of Salt River Schools.