It’s youth sports…with access for all!
The Daniels Fund and Project Play Colorado, in collaboration with hundreds of youth sports nonprofits across the state, proudly announced the inaugural Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day this week that marked the beginning of a month-long campaign to raise essential funds to help more kids statewide participate in sports.
Throughout September, individuals, businesses and community groups are encouraged to contribute to youth sports nonprofits in Colorado. Donations can be made online at www.youthsportsgivingday.org utilizing the Colorado Gives platform, which offers a safe, flexible and convenient way to give. Donors can choose from a list of participating nonprofit youth sports organizations, with funds going toward expenses such as equipment, uniforms, coaching and facility rentals. These contributions will help ensure more kids can participate in sports, regardless of their economic background.
Led by the Daniels Fund, Colorado Health Foundation, The Weld Trust, Denver Broncos Foundation, Alpine Bank, Rose Community Foundation, Strohm Link Family Foundation, Anschutz Foundation and other sponsors, the giving campaign includes a dollar-for-dollar match of more than $1 million for all online donations made starting Sept. 4, 2024. Donations will be matched until matching funds are utilized.
Other Important Youth Sports Events Taking Place in September
- The 13th annual giveSPORTS Equipment Drive, presented by Colorado Honda Dealers, will be held at Ball Arena on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the RAV4 Parking Lot (located between 9th & 11th St., between Chopper Cir. & Auraria Pkwy.). In partnership with A Precious Child and Colorado Honda Dealers, Kroenke Sports Charities invites the public to support underserved local youth by dropping off new or gently used sports equipment at the event.
- Equipment from all sports is accepted. However, equipment from the following sports is most needed: basketball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, football, baseball, softball and volleyball. Bicycles are accepted in any condition. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept clothing donations.
- Representatives of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, Colorado Mammoth and Colorado Rapids will be in attendance to greet donors. Donors will receive a tax donation letter and a voucher valid for two (2) tickets to a Nuggets or Avalanche pre-season home game while supplies last.
- The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum in Colorado Springs is offering free admission on Saturday, Sept. 21, courtesy of the Daniels Fund, to celebrate Youth Sports Giving Day.
- The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., where visitors can meet Team USA athletes, explore interactive exhibits and connect with local youth sports organizations stationed throughout the museum.
- Advance online ticket reservations are strongly recommended and can be found here.
Helping to facilitate the effort is the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program, the signature initiative of which, Project Play, has helped leaders across the nation get and keep children playing sports. Last week, the Aspen Institute and leading organizations announced Project Play Colorado, a collective impact effort to lift youth sports participation rates from 54.5% to 63% by the end of the decade.
“Sports are a fun way for kids to learn valuable skills like teamwork, hard work, setting goals and staying active,” said Governor Jared Polis. “With Colorado Youth Sports Giving Day, more Colorado kids can experience the joy and passion that comes from participating in sports. It’s truly a win for all of us.”
Author: Mile High Mamas
